The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CCSGG) has called on governorship candidates in Enugu State to shun inflammatory politics and smear campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, urging them to focus on verifiable development plans.
The coalition, which says it comprises more than 52 civil society organisations, made the call on Thursday during a world press conference in Abuja themed, “Enugu State and the Politics of 2027: Putting the Record Straight.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob said the coalition’s intervention followed controversy surrounding an incident at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu on October 10, 2026, involving supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Jacob said the coalition reviewed the matter after statements attributed to the NDC governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, and others allegedly linked the Enugu State Government to the incident.
The coalition described the reported plan to hold a political rally at the international airport as concerning, stressing that aviation facilities require strict security measures and compliance with established regulations.
According to the coalition, accounts issued by the Enugu State Government and the Enugu State Police Command indicated that the NDC had publicised a campaign flag-off at the airport and was advised to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The group alleged that the gathering proceeded without the required approval, resulting in a confrontation when security personnel restricted access. These claims were presented as the coalition’s account of the incident.
The coalition subsequently raised five questions for the NDC to address in the public interest, including whether it obtained formal approval from the relevant airport authorities and, if so, whether it would make the approval available for public scrutiny.
It also asked what instructions were given to party members concerning access to the airport, why the gathering was planned at a sensitive federal facility, and what evidence directly connected Governor Peter Mbah or any identified state official to the confrontation.
The group acknowledged that freedom of association and peaceful assembly are constitutional rights but maintained that political activities must comply with applicable laws and security requirements.
It further cautioned political actors against spreading misleading information, noting that airports are sensitive federal facilities whose security and operations should not be compromised by partisan activities.
On the performance of the state government, the coalition said Governor Mbah was not above criticism, adding that citizens, opposition parties and journalists had the right to scrutinise government policies, public expenditure and administrative decisions.
However, it argued that criticism should be evidence-based and should not rely on unsupported allegations capable of misleading the public or heightening political tension.
The coalition also called on all political parties to notify relevant authorities before major public events, comply with lawful security directives and ensure their supporters refrain from violence and destruction of public property.
It urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and proportionate in handling political activities while protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the group warned against the alleged recruitment of thugs, arming of supporters, circulation of unfounded security alerts and the staging of confrontations for political propaganda. It called on security agencies to investigate reports of attempts to recruit armed individuals.
The coalition urged political parties and candidates to prioritise peaceful campaigns, accountability and practical policy proposals as Enugu State prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
