The National Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The opposition party described the incident as unprovoked and accused suspected state-sponsored thugs of repeatedly targeting its members in the state and other parts of the South-East.

In a statement issued late Sunday, NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party had a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful meetings and other lawful activities.

The party said alleged attacks on its members amounted to a threat to democratic participation and freedom of association. It also accused security agencies of failing to respond adequately to reported attacks involving opposition groups in Enugu and across the South-East.

The NDC recalled an earlier incident in Imo State, where it alleged that its members were attacked twice during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.

According to the party, the alleged incidents would not stop its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC also alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu was concerned about what it described as the growing support for the opposition party.

It warned that attempts to intimidate its members would not prevent it from organising meetings, canvassing for support or mobilising voters for its candidates.

“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the party said, adding that the alleged incident had instead strengthened its resolve to campaign across the state.

The NDC called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported attack and identify those responsible.

It also demanded that anyone found culpable, including those alleged to have sponsored the incident, should face the law.

The party maintained that political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine citizens’ rights to participate in the democratic process.

It said it would continue to organise and mobilise its supporters despite what it described as attempts to restrict its political activities.

“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” the statement added.