One person has been identified as the victim of a shooting during an attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the campaign flag-off of its Enugu governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, on Saturday, amid conflicting accounts about whether he survived.
The victim was identified as Nwolle Christopher. However, a source told SaharaReporters on Sunday that while there was speculation that he had died, other sources said he was still alive.
“The man shot by gunmen during Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa’s campaign flag-off is Nwolle Christopher. Speculation is that he is dead but other sources said he is not dead,” the source said.
The incident reportedly occurred in two phases on Saturday, October 10, 2026, first at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and later at Ohaa’s campaign office in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the state capital.
The NDC accused suspected political thugs of attacking its supporters, alleging that the assailants operated under the protection of policemen attached to the state government.
In a press statement signed by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to Ohaa, and made available to SaharaReporters, the party said thousands of its members, supporters of the Obidient Movement and members of the Kwankwasiya group had gathered at the airport to welcome the governorship candidate when violence broke out.
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👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNELAccording to the statement, airport security personnel denied the supporters entry, after which suspected thugs attacked them in the presence of police officers and other security operatives.
The party alleged that the attackers smashed people’s heads and bodies and damaged vehicles, with several cars reportedly destroyed during the incident.
The NDC further alleged that police officers fired tear gas at its supporters and discharged several gunshots at the airport, triggering panic and leaving people injured.
One of the party members, identified as Mr Moses Arisi, reportedly sustained serious head injuries, with blood gushing from his head.
A journalist with Signature TV was also allegedly attacked, pushed to the ground and dispossessed of his phone. Other journalists covering the event were reportedly assaulted.
Despite the violence, NDC supporters subsequently moved in a large convoy to Ohaa’s campaign office in GRA, Enugu, where the party was holding another gathering.
The turnout was described as overwhelming, with almost all the party’s candidates in Enugu State, its deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Omeje Frank, Prof. Ene Nwannaji and many supporters in attendance.
The party alleged that gunmen invaded the venue during the gathering and opened fire on supporters.
Several people were reportedly shot, including three members of the Kwankwasiya group identified as Umar Abdulkarim, Muhammad Musa and Hassan Gora.
According to the NDC, another member was shot and left lying in a pool of blood before being rushed to a hospital.
The victim was subsequently identified by a source as Nwolle Christopher, although his condition remained uncertain as of Sunday.
The NDC statement did not explicitly identify the All Progressives Congress (APC) as responsible for the attack. However, it accused those in power of acting out of desperation and fear, alleging that the attackers were political thugs operating with police cover.
The party called on security agencies to investigate the incidents, arrest those responsible and bring their alleged sponsors to justice.
Earlier accounts of the incident said the gunmen arrived on a motorcycle, in a Toyota Highlander SUV and a minibus before allegedly firing sporadically to disrupt the gathering.
Security personnel attached to the campaign train reportedly pursued the attackers and recovered one of the motorcycles allegedly used in the operation, while the other assailants escaped.
One party member was reportedly shot, while another sustained a machete wound.
Reacting to Saturday’s violence, the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Omeje Frank, said the attacks would not deter the NDC from pursuing its ambition of taking over the Enugu State Government House in 2027.
“No matter what they do, we shall go to the Lion Building (Government House) next year. Nothing will stop us,” he said.
Later in the evening, Ohaa addressed journalists at his residence, calling on elders and former governors of Enugu State to remind the incumbent administration of its responsibility to protect residents.
“Today’s attack at the airport and at our campaign office shows the level of desperation and fear in the camp of those in power. They are afraid of the people. They are afraid of the truth. But no amount of violence will stop the will of Ndi Enugu. We will continue this journey peacefully, lawfully, and with even greater determination until victory is secured in 2027,” Ohaa said.
Speaking during the campaign flag-off, the governorship candidate also outlined his reasons for contesting the election, promising to pursue an agenda focused on the interests of residents.
“I am in this race on a clear and uncompromising mandate: to rescue Enugu State for Ndi Enugu through an issue-based campaign… Governance must serve the people, not oppress them.”
He added: “We will not be intimidated. The NDC remains resolute. This is a Rescue Mission for Ndi Enugu, and it will succeed.”
The NDC urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the attacks, identify and arrest the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors, and ensure they face justice.
“Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa and the NDC remain firmly committed to the MEGA agenda: Make Enugu Great Again. No amount of thuggery or intimidation will stop the march of the people,” the statement added.
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