Group calls for impartial probe of airport confrontation, urges Ohaa and Nnaji to clarify public records and present development plans
By Omagha Idam
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CCSGG) has called on political parties and governorship candidates in Enugu State to embrace issue-based campaigns, respect the rule of law and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Coalition made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following reports of a confrontation involving supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and a subsequent shooting incident outside the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on October 10.
The group, which describes itself as an umbrella organisation comprising more than 52 civil society organisations, said the incidents required impartial investigations and responsible public communication to establish the facts and prevent political tensions from escalating.
In an address read and signed by Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, the Coalition urged political actors to prioritise accountability, peaceful participation and credible development proposals over accusations and counter-accusations.
It specifically called on NDC governorship candidate Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Uche Nnaji to address questions concerning their public records and present clear alternatives to the policies of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration.
The Coalition stressed that allegations should not be treated as established facts without credible evidence, adding that every individual was entitled to a fair hearing.
AIRPORT CONFRONTATION: GOVERNMENT, NDC OFFER DIFFERING ACCOUNTS
The Coalition’s intervention followed media reports of a confrontation at Akanu Ibiam International Airport on October 10, when supporters of the NDC reportedly gathered to welcome Ohaa ahead of a planned campaign event.
Premium Times, reporting on the incident on October 10, said suspected political thugs attacked supporters, while video footage showed people fleeing amid sporadic gunfire. The newspaper also reported a subsequent confrontation at the NDC secretariat.
The circumstances surrounding the airport gathering, however, became a subject of disagreement between the party and the Enugu State Government.
According to a report published by Vanguard on October 11, the state government denied involvement in the incident and maintained that the NDC had advertised a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without securing the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The NDC disputed the government’s account. In a report published by Premium Times on October 12, the party said its supporters had gathered to welcome their candidate rather than hold a political rally inside the airport.
The party also reportedly presented correspondence and documentation which it said related to notifications sent to relevant authorities.
These competing accounts underscore the need for clarification from the relevant authorities.
The CCSGG urged the NDC to make available any authorisation obtained for the gathering and called on FAAN to clarify whether approval was required, whether it was granted and what arrangements were made for the event.
The Coalition maintained that airports are sensitive public facilities whose security and operations must be protected. It added that although peaceful assembly and political association are fundamental democratic rights, political activities must comply with applicable laws and lawful security requirements.
SHOOTING REPORT: COALITION CALLS FOR POLICE INVESTIGATION
The reported shooting outside the NDC secretariat also featured prominently in the Coalition’s statement.
Media reports indicated that the confrontation followed the airport incident, with allegations of attacks on party supporters and gunfire. The Enugu State Government subsequently acknowledged that a party member had sustained a gunshot wound and received medical treatment, while disputing reports of fatalities.
The Coalition called on the police to conduct an impartial investigation, establish the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting and take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible for an offence.
It urged political parties to avoid circulating unverified casualty figures or assigning blame before investigations establish the facts.
The organisation also cautioned against attributing responsibility for either incident to Governor Mbah without credible evidence directly connecting him to the events.
It said the governor remained subject to legitimate criticism and scrutiny, but insisted that allegations of criminal conduct must be supported by evidence.
The Coalition called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial, ensuring that all political parties enjoy equal protection and can exercise their democratic rights lawfully.
OHAA URGED TO CLARIFY REPORTED LEGAL MATTERS
The Coalition also urged Ohaa to address questions concerning reported legal and administrative matters associated with his public-service career.
Its statement referred to a reported 2018 ICPC case involving Ohaa and another public official in connection with an investigation into land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory.
Citing the reported case number CR/76/18, the Coalition called on the NDC candidate to clarify the status and final outcome of the proceedings and make relevant court records available where appropriate.
The statement also referenced reports concerning an earlier Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) matter involving Ohaa and an intervention reportedly attributed to former Senate President Ken Nnamani.
Additionally, it cited an allegation previously attributed to former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung concerning an alleged demand for ₦200 million during a budget-defence process.
The Coalition asked Ohaa to clarify whether he occupied the public-service position associated with the reported episode and whether he had any knowledge of the alleged demand.
However, the organisation did not establish that Ohaa committed any offence in relation to these matters.
It said its request was for transparency from a candidate seeking public office, adding that responses should be assessed against verifiable documents rather than political speculation.
The allegations and historical accounts cited by the Coalition require independent verification, and Ohaa’s responses should be sought before any disputed claims are presented as established facts.
NNAJI ASKED TO CLARIFY ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
The Coalition also called on PDP governorship candidate Uche Nnaji to clarify questions reportedly raised concerning his academic qualifications and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials.
According to the statement, concerns had been raised about qualifications attributed to the candidate and information reportedly contained in an electoral candidates’ publication.
The group urged Nnaji to provide authenticated records from the relevant institutions and respond to the questions through appropriate channels.
It also called for transparency concerning any related legal proceedings.
The Coalition cautioned, however, that unresolved allegations do not establish criminal liability and that any determination of guilt must follow due process.
It maintained that voters have a legitimate interest in verifying the qualifications and public records of candidates seeking elected office.
COALITION DEMANDS ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGNS
Beyond the controversies surrounding the reported incidents and candidates’ records, the Coalition urged all governorship aspirants to focus on practical solutions to the challenges facing Enugu State.
It challenged opposition candidates to identify specific shortcomings in the present administration and explain how their proposed policies would produce better outcomes.
The group highlighted education, healthcare, employment, security, infrastructure, agriculture, investment, public finance and economic development as priority areas requiring detailed policy proposals.
It also called on candidates to explain how their programmes would be funded, implemented and measured.
According to the Coalition, the 2027 election should enable voters to compare competing visions for the state rather than become a contest dominated by personal attacks and unsubstantiated accusations.
It said Governor Mbah should be assessed on his administration’s performance, while opposition candidates should be judged on their public records, competence and proposed development programmes.
FOURTEEN DEMANDS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Among its demands, the Coalition called for an impartial investigation into the reported shooting, clarification from FAAN concerning the airport gathering and equal protection for all political parties.
It urged candidates to provide verifiable answers concerning questions about their public records and qualifications, while calling for detailed manifestos containing measurable development targets, funding strategies and implementation plans.
The group also urged political parties to reject violence, intimidation, misinformation and attacks on public infrastructure.
It maintained that anyone possessing evidence of wrongdoing should submit it to the appropriate authorities rather than rely on public accusations.
ENUGU’S PEACE MUST COME FIRST
Concluding its statement, the Coalition said Enugu State’s future should be determined by evidence, governance performance, credible policy alternatives and the informed choices of voters.
It urged political actors to respect investigations, protect democratic freedoms and avoid statements capable of heightening tensions.
The organisation reiterated that its intervention was not intended to determine guilt through political statements but to promote transparency, accountability and responsible political engagement.
As the 2027 elections approach, it urged all candidates to demonstrate the discipline and integrity expected of public officeholders.
The statement was signed by Comrade Okpanachi Jacob on behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance in Abuja on October 15, 2026.
EDITORIAL NOTE FOR WEEKENDERS MAGAZINE: The airport confrontation and subsequent shooting were reported by Premium Times, while the Enugu State Government and the NDC offered differing accounts. Before publication, independently confirm the reports and seek responses from FAAN, the Enugu State Police Command, Ohaa and Nnaji. The reported ICPC and EFCC matters, alleged budget demand and credential questions require documentary verification. Their inclusion here reflects the Coalition’s stated concerns and should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing.