Tension In Enugu As Alleged APC-Sponsored Thugs Disrupt NDC Primary Election Venue In Nkanu West

Tension In Enugu As Alleged APC-Sponsored Thugs Disrupt NDC Primary Election Venue In Nkanu West

Enugu Nigeria , 29 May 2026

Confusion and tension  erupted in Agbani, headquarters of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Friday, May 29, 2026, after suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) disrupted preparations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election.

The incident, which occurred at the Methodist Church, Amakpu Agbani  the newly proposed venue for the exercise left hundreds of party members, delegates, and supporters stranded and uncertain about the fate of the much-anticipated primary election.

According to sources within the NDC, the party had initially secured and fully paid for the use of Sunshine Hotel in Agbani as the official venue for the primary election. However, party officials stated that the venue arrangement was abruptly frustrated following what they described as directives and pressure allegedly connected to the APC-led state government.

Following the development, the party  moved the exercise to the Methodist Church at Amakpu Agbani in a bid to proceed peacefully with the electoral process. But eyewitnesses said that shortly before the commencement of accreditation and voting, groups of suspected thugs stormed the area, allegedly blocking access to the venue and causing panic among party members.

Witnesses said the atmosphere quickly became chaotic as supporters and delegates were seen gathering in clusters, seeking clarification from party leaders while security concerns heightened around the community.

Some party faithful accused political opponents of attempting to sabotage the democratic process and frustrate the NDC from conducting a transparent and credible primary election in the local government area.

“This is unfortunate and unacceptable in a democratic setting,” one aggrieved party member lamented. “People came out peacefully to participate in the primary election, only to be met with intimidation and confusion.”

Another source alleged that the disruption was part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition activities within the state ahead of future political contests.

As of the time of filing this report, confusion reportedly persisted among delegates and electoral officials over whether the primary election would be relocated again, postponed, or continue under tight security arrangements.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from the APC leadership in the state and security agencies were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, political observers say the incident could further raise concerns over political intolerance, electoral interference, and the shrinking democratic space in local political activities within the state.

Residents of Agbani and surrounding communities were also seen expressing concern over the rising political tension in the area, with many calling on security agencies to ensure law and order while protecting the rights of citizens to freely participate in democratic processes without intimidation or harassment.