Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has strongly denied allegations that he ordered the management of a private event centre to revoke approval for a town hall meeting organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, was planned to feature the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The political friction erupted on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, when opposition figures accused the state government of attempting to suppress opposition activities. Sampson Ukwu, Media Aide to the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, issued a statement asserting that the state government was behind a last-minute cancellation by the facility management.
According to Ukwu, approval for the Amadeo Event Centre, a popular private facility in Enugu, was abruptly pulled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Adding to the claims, the NDC Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East, Princess Ada Ogbu, alleged that the organizers had already paid ₦3.5 million for the hall and an additional ₦500,000 for outdoor space before being notified of the facility’s withdrawal.
“No amount of desperation will stop the will of the people,” stated Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa. “Those who think they can frustrate us by withdrawing venues at the last minute only expose their fear. Peter Obi and Kwankwaso will speak to Ndi Enugu.” Responding directly to the claims on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Governor Peter Mbah dismissed the allegations as “preposterous” and an “utter falsehood,” describing the narrative as a ploy by the opposition to gather cheap media attention.
In a public statement, Governor Mbah emphasized that the Amadeo Event Centre is a privately owned business over which the state government exercises no commercial control. ”What has Governor Mbah got to do with the rental of a privately owned facility?” remarked Dan Nwomeh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“It appears some people get a kick out of blaming Governor Mbah for just about everything.” Governor Mbah addressed the political tension further on his official social media channels, warning opposition figures against character defamation. “There is no doubt that democracy guarantees freedom of expression, but it does not grant anyone the right to defamation,” Mbah stated.
“Democracy also offers avenues to seek redress. So, let it be known that there are red lines that should never be crossed.” Despite the venue controversy, NDC organizers maintained that the town hall meeting and political engagements involving Obi and Kwankwaso would proceed in Enugu State.
