The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations linking the party, its leadership and the administration of Governor Peter Mbah to an alleged act of political violence in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The party described the allegations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated, while calling on security and law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The APC made its position known in a statement issued on Monday by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Hon. Uche Obute (JP), following allegations by some opposition political actors.
The party said it “unequivocally rejects” the allegations, describing them as inconsistent with what it termed the peaceful and democratic disposition of the APC and the administration of Governor Mbah.
According to the party, political disagreements are legitimate within a democratic system but should be expressed responsibly and within the bounds of truth, civility and the law.
It cautioned political actors against exploiting an unfortunate incident to create tension, damage reputations or undermine peace and stability in Enugu State.
The APC also defended Governor Mbah’s record on security, development and good governance, saying his administration had consistently prioritised the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of law and order.
“As a lawyer and Chief Executive of the State, he understands the importance of protecting the lives and property of citizens and maintaining an environment conducive to development,” the party said.
The party argued that the allegations of sponsoring violence were difficult to reconcile with what it described as the administration’s emphasis on security and development.
It urged stakeholders to allow the governor’s record and actions in office to speak louder than what it described as political insinuations and unverified claims.
The APC said it was particularly unfortunate to link Governor Mbah to an incident capable of undermining peace in Nkanu West, given his ancestral and political connection to the area.
“As a son of Nkanu, the peace, security, development and wellbeing of the people remain matters of profound importance,” the party said.
The party therefore called on security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incident and ensure that anyone found responsible for violence or criminality faces the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
“The APC has nothing to fear from a transparent investigation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law,” the statement added.
The party also appealed to opposition parties and other political actors to embrace responsible political engagement, warning against character assassination, misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric and unsubstantiated accusations.
It urged APC members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, while calling on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth organisations and civil society groups to promote peace and dialogue.
The Enugu APC reaffirmed its support for the Mbah administration’s development agenda, maintaining that political differences should be resolved through lawful and democratic processes rather than confrontation or violence.
