The Enugu State Government on Sunday raised the alarm over an alleged plot by opposition political elements to import armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic, cause civil disturbance, and manufacture a false narrative of insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​The disclosure was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during a press conference held at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
​Addressing reporters in Enugu, Prof. Onyia warned that intelligence reports available to the state administration revealed coordinated attempts by desperate politicians to compromise the peace and security achieved in the state over the last three years.
​Prof. Onyia accused members of the opposition, specifically referencing actions surrounding recent clashes linked to the New Nigeria Peoples Party / National Democratic Coalition (NDC), of exploiting recent airport security incidents for political leverage.
​He clarified that security agencies intervened at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after political operatives attempted to hold an unauthorized “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off” on airport premises without clearance from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
​”Without holding brief for FAAN, is it not sheer rascality to attempt to hold a ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off’ of the NDC at the airport as publicized by the party?” Onyia questioned. He added that security forces acted appropriately to protect a vital national asset and restore order.
​The SSG also debunked allegations linking the state government to violence at a political secretariat, dismissing rumors of fatalities as fabrications designed to paint the administration in a bad light.
He criticised opposition leaders for “holding a minute of silence for a living person” during political gatherings, describing it as “gross mischief and a sign of political desperation” aimed at misleading the public.
​Reaffirming the state’s resolve, Onyia emphasised that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has invested heavily in maintaining law and order, adding that the state government will not allow non-state actors or political destabilizers to undo those gains.
​”We make bold to say that the peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” Onyia stated.
​He concluded by reassuring residents that the state government has no reason to engage in desperate tactics ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that Governor Mbah’s developmental achievements across Enugu State remain sufficient to secure a renewed mandate from the electorate through free and fair elections.
