The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has dismissed the political influence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state, describing the party as having little electoral presence following the visit of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The APC’s reaction followed a controversy surrounding Obi’s town hall meeting in Enugu, after the NDC accused the state government of interfering with its arrangements to secure a venue for the event.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Steve Oruruo, spokesperson and Director of Public Communications of the Enugu APC Campaign Council, accused the opposition party of making misleading allegations against the state government and the management of Amadeo Event Centre.
Oruruo argued that the controversy was based on what he described as inaccurate claims intended to damage the image of the Enugu State Government and create negative public perception ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC spokesperson maintained that the event centre’s management had provided an explanation for the disagreement over the venue, insisting that the matter arose from an alleged breach of an agreement involving the facility and an individual who initially made arrangements to use it.
According to Oruruo, Dr Sabastine Chuks Eze allegedly approached the event centre’s management while presenting himself as the Registrar of the Nigeria Institute of Healthcare Givers and Medical Social Work Practitioners.
He claimed that the agreement with the facility included provisions allowing its management to discontinue activities that violated the established terms and conditions.
Oruruo alleged that the arrangement later became connected to the NDC’s plans to organise a town hall meeting for Obi, resulting in the disagreement that generated public attention.
He also criticised Ada Ogbu, an NDC member, accusing her and other party figures of attempting to link the Enugu State Government to the venue controversy without sufficient evidence.
The APC spokesman urged residents to examine political claims carefully rather than accept allegations without verification.
APC Questions NDC’s Political Influence
Addressing the party’s political standing in Enugu, Oruruo described the NDC as having limited grassroots presence in the state.
He argued that the opposition party had yet to establish a significant political structure capable of challenging the existing political landscape in Enugu.
He declared that the NDC had made little impact in the state and accused its members of relying heavily on controversies involving the government to attract public attention.
The APC further called on Ada Ogbu to apologise to residents over the allegations, insisting that political disagreements should not be used to create unnecessary tension or damage the reputation of the state.
Oruruo maintained that Enugu remained peaceful and accommodating to political activities, adding that the state government had no involvement in the alleged withdrawal of approval for the NDC’s meeting venue.
Obi Speaks on Insecurity During Enugu Visit
Meanwhile, Obi used the town hall meeting to outline his position on insecurity and leadership accountability ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor said an elected president must take direct responsibility for protecting Nigerians and addressing the growing security challenges facing the country.
He pledged that his administration would prioritise national unity, improve security and tackle the activities of kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Obi also insisted that leadership required personal commitment and a willingness to confront national problems rather than depend entirely on security briefings and official reports.
His remarks formed part of the NDC’s engagement with residents and supporters during the visit, which also featured discussions on national development and governance.
The town hall meeting eventually held despite the disagreement over the venue, with Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, addressing participants.
The political exchange comes as parties begin strengthening their structures and mobilising support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With political activities gradually increasing, the disagreement between the APC and NDC in Enugu reflects the growing contest over public support, party credibility and the issues likely to shape the next election.
