Recent Attacks on Opposition in Enugu Could Hurt Tinubu in 2027

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Basil Ani, has said that the recent attacks on opposition parties in Enugu State might hurt President Bola Tinubu’s support in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Ani shared this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday night.

This newspaper earlier reported that hoodlums attacked and disrupted meetings of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and later the PDP on Saturday, 12 September, in Ndiuno-Obuoffia and Agbani Communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

The police in Enugu State ordered an investigation into the incidents on Sunday.

In response to the attacks, Mr Ani said that the anger over the attacks on PDP and NDC members and their supporters is now being directed at the federal government and Mr Tinubu.

He warned that this situation could lead to a protest vote against Mr Tinubu if the federal government is seen as not acting against the violence.

Mr Ani claimed that many community leaders and residents are questioning how the federal government is responding to the attacks on opposition politicians.

He noted that besides the incidents on Saturday, similar attacks happened during PDP meetings in August at Akpugo and Obe, all within the same Nkanu West Local Government Area.

“The allegations are serious and raise a broader question: Can people participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.

Mr Ani called on security agencies to investigate these incidents and prosecute anyone found guilty, regardless of their political party.

He stressed that the federal government should not look at the situation as just a clash between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is about the health of democracy.

“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.

He added that traditional rulers and religious leaders could change the political opinions of their communities if they believe the federal government does not care about the victimization of their people.

According to Mr Ani, some traditional rulers and religious leaders who once supported Mr Tinubu’s re-election while also backing their candidates for state offices are now changing their minds.

He said some of these leaders told their followers that if the president allows the situation to continue, voters should think about showing their displeasure at the polls in 2027.

Mr Ani noted that the rise of Uche Nnaji as a key opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate in the state has intensified the political competition.

“The president does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to back democracy,” he said.

He warned that unresolved allegations, political violence, and perceived government indifference could become key issues for voters in the 2027 elections.

Mr Ani argued that the growing anger against the state government could turn into a political problem for Mr Tinubu if the federal government is seen as ignoring the issues causing the resentment.

“The warning signs are already there. The question is whether Abuja is paying attention,” he said.