NDM Warns Against Political Violence, Demands Inclusive Development and Accountability Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The movement said the emerging political atmosphere requires restraint, responsible public communication, respect for the rule of law and a renewed commitment to peaceful political competition, warning that violence, intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and the spread of unverified allegations could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

NDM’s position follows reports of incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on October 10, 2026. The state government has denied responsibility for the incidents, while the police announced an investigation into the reported shooting outside the party’s secretariat.

The movement insists that the circumstances surrounding the incidents must be established through a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, with anyone found culpable held accountable in accordance with the law.

NDM emphasises that political disagreements must never become a justification for violence, threats, destruction of property or the suppression of lawful political activities. It calls on political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory statements and refrain from presenting unverified allegations as established facts.

The movement further urges security agencies to discharge their responsibilities professionally, impartially and without political interference, ensuring that all political parties and citizens can exercise their lawful rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and political participation.

Beyond the immediate security concerns, NDM calls on the Enugu State Government to ensure that the proposed 25-year development plan, intended to guide the state’s development through 2051, adequately reflects the needs and aspirations of communities across Enugu North Senatorial District.

The movement considers the long-term planning exercise an important opportunity to address persistent development priorities, including rural road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agricultural development, youth employment, access to potable water and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities.

NDM maintains that development planning must be inclusive, evidence-based and measurable. Communities should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting their future, while the government should provide clear implementation targets and transparent mechanisms for monitoring public projects.

The movement calls for particular attention to the development needs of Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Etiti and Isi-Uzo, ensuring that the priorities of the seven local government areas receive due consideration in the state’s development framework.

NDM also urges elected representatives and public officials to demonstrate accountability by providing constituents with regular information on public projects, budget implementation and the delivery of essential services.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, NDM cautions against reducing public discourse to personal attacks, political rivalry, propaganda and the pursuit of power without clearly articulated development commitments.

The movement calls on political parties and aspirants to place issues of public concern at the centre of their engagements with citizens. These should include employment opportunities, quality education, accessible healthcare, rural development, agricultural productivity, security, transparent governance and improved living standards.

NDM further encourages political parties and candidates to present practical, costed and measurable policy proposals that enable citizens to assess their programmes and hold them accountable for their commitments.

The movement believes that the people of Enugu State, particularly residents of Enugu North Senatorial District, deserve a political environment in which public concerns are addressed through constructive debate, policy competition and responsible leadership.

NDM will continue to encourage civic participation, peaceful engagement and issue-based political discourse while scrutinising policies and decisions that affect the interests and development aspirations of the people.

OUR POSITION

“The Nsukka Democratic Movement reiterates that peace, justice, accountability and inclusive development are indispensable to democratic progress.

We call on the Enugu State Government, political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders to work collectively towards preserving peace and ensuring that the 2027 electoral process is conducted in an atmosphere of safety, fairness and respect for the law.

We also urge residents, especially young people, not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, intimidation or the dissemination of false information. Political participation should be guided by informed choices, peaceful engagement and a commitment to the common good.

NDM will continue to advocate for the interests of Nsukka and Enugu North through constructive engagement, evidence-based public commentary and sustained demands for accountable governance and equitable development.

Our commitment remains to a democratic environment where political differences are respected, public institutions are held accountable and the welfare of the people takes precedence over partisan interests.