WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (CCSGG) ON “ENUGU STATE AND THE POLITICS OF 2027: PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT” HELD ON THE 15TH OCTOBER 2026 IN ABUJA.
Gentlemen of the Press,
The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) is an umbrella body comprising more than 52 civil society organizations committed to promoting accountability and good governance in both the public and private sectors. The Coalition plays a vital role in the fight against corruption and serves as a watchdog on matters relating to Nigeria’s electoral processes.
As part of our commitment to improving the leadership recruitment process in Nigeria through credible elections, we believe that civil society organizations must remain vigilant and pay close attention to political party activities that could undermine the integrity and reputation of the country.
It is against this background that we have taken an interest in the recent incident at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Our intervention is not only necessary but imperative.
Following the reports and statements attributed to the candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, and others, the Coalition considered it necessary to investigate the matter further. This is to ensure that the public is not misled, particularly as some of the information being circulated does not appear to reflect the realities on the ground. Furthermore, several important questions raised by the press briefing remain unanswered.
The suggestion that a political rally was to be held at an international airport is deeply concerning.
Regardless of the airport’s size or location, organizing a political rally within such a sensitive environment is inconsistent with established standards and constitutes an unacceptable political practice.
At the same time, questions must be raised regarding whether approval was granted by the relevant airport authorities, whose primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the airport, its passengers, staff, and facilities.
We therefore urge politicians and political actors to desist from smear campaigns and the dissemination of misleading information for political advantage.
Such practices can confuse the electorate and prevent citizens from making informed choices during elections.
As civil society organizations, we remain committed to protecting the public interest, promoting credible electoral processes, and serving as the conscience of our nation.
Coalition cautions NDC and PDP governorship candidates against inflammatory politics and demands issue-based campaigns, transparent records and verifiable answers
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance has observed with serious concern the rising political tension in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We are particularly disturbed by attempts to associate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah with the incidents that occurred at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and outside the Enugu State secretariat of the NDC on Saturday, October 10, 2026, despite the absence of publicly established evidence directly connecting the governor to either incident.
Political opposition is legitimate and indispensable in a democracy.
However, accusation without evidence is not accountability. It is political blackmail capable of inflaming passions, misleading the public and undermining the peace and security of Enugu State.
The Coalition therefore calls on the NDC, its governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the PDP governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, and their respective supporters to exercise restraint, respect ongoing investigations and refrain from overheating the polity.
Opposition candidates seeking the mandate of the people of Enugu State must do more than issue inflammatory statements or attribute every political disturbance to the state government. They must present credible, measurable and workable alternatives on education, healthcare, employment, security, infrastructure, investment, agriculture, public services and economic development.
Enugu State deserves a contest of ideas, not a campaign of insinuation.
AIRPORTS ARE NOT UNRESTRICTED POLITICAL RALLY GROUNDS:
The Akanu Ibiam International Airport is a sensitive federal facility serving Enugu State, the wider South-East and travellers from other parts of Nigeria. Its security, operations and accessibility must not be compromised by political activities.
According to the account released by the Enugu State Government, the NDC publicised what it described as a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport.
The government further stated that the party was advised to secure the approval of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria before proceeding with the gathering.
The state government maintained that the required approval was not secured and that the confrontation arose when party supporters attempted to gain access to the facility before security personnel intervened.
The account attributed to the Enugu State Police Command similarly indicated that airport authorities restricted large numbers of party supporters from entering the facility and that a misunderstanding subsequently escalated.
These circumstances present important questions that the NDC must answer:
- Did the party obtain formal approval from the appropriate federal airport authorities?
- If approval was obtained, will the party publish it for public scrutiny?
- What instructions were given to party members concerning access to the airport?
- Why was a large political gathering planned for a sensitive federal facility?
- What credible evidence directly connects Governor Peter Mbah or any identified state official to the confrontation?
Freedom of association and peaceful assembly are constitutional democratic rights.
However, those rights must be exercised lawfully and responsibly.
Political enthusiasm does not override aviation security, access restrictions or the operational requirements of an international airport. A political party cannot disregard the rules governing a sensitive national asset and then automatically transfer responsibility for the resulting confrontation to the state governor.
The airport belongs to and serves the public. Its protection must remain above partisan interests.
INVESTIGATE THE NDC SECRETARIAT SHOOTING:
The reported shooting outside the NDC secretariat is a serious matter that demands a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
The police must be allowed to identify those responsible, determine their motives and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation or social standing.
Political parties and commentators must not prejudge the investigation or convert an unresolved security incident into a campaign weapon. Anyone possessing credible evidence connecting a public official or political actor to the incident should submit it to the police and make it available through lawful channels.
The Coalition supports justice for every person affected by the incident. We equally reject the circulation of unverified casualty figures or politically charged accounts unsupported by credible medical, police or investigative records.
The proper response is clear:
•Investigate the shooting thoroughly.
•Identify those responsible.
•Preserve all relevant evidence.
•Protect witnesses.
•Prosecute every person found culpable.
•Publish the findings within the limits permitted by law.
Until investigators establish the facts, accusation must not be substituted for proof.
GOVERNOR MBAH IS NOT ABOVE CRITICISM
Governor Peter Mbah is not above criticism. No elected official is.
Citizens, opposition parties, journalists and public commentators have the right to question his policies, scrutinise public expenditure, demand transparency and challenge the decisions of his administration.
Those democratic rights must be protected.
However, criticism must be based on facts. Political disagreement does not justify demonisation, reckless historical comparisons or allegations unsupported by evidence.
Individuals with access to large audiences carry a corresponding responsibility to avoid misinformation and inflammatory commentary. Enugu State does not need political rhetoric capable of provoking division or violence. It needs factual debate about governance, development and the future of its people.
Criticise policies. Examine expenditure. Question decisions. Demand accountability. But do not condemn any person without credible evidence.
OPPOSITION STATUS DOES NOT PLACE ANY PARTY ABOVE THE LAW:
Opposition parties have the right to campaign, organise meetings, mobilise supporters and seek the votes of the electorate. They are also entitled to equal protection under the law.
However, opposition status does not confer immunity from regulations governing airports, political gatherings, public safety or the preservation of public order.
All political parties must notify the appropriate authorities of major public activities, comply with lawful security requirements and ensure that their members do not engage in violence, intimidation or the destruction of public property.
The Coalition equally calls on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and proportionate in their conduct. Political parties must be given a level playing field, while citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly must be respected.
No political party should be unlawfully prevented from campaigning. At the same time, no party should invoke democracy as justification for disregarding lawful restrictions governing sensitive facilities.
Rights and responsibilities must operate together.
ENUGU MUST NOT BECOME A POLITICAL BATTLEGROUND:
The peace and security of Enugu State are greater than the ambition of any candidate or political party.
We warn every political actor against importing thugs, arming supporters, spreading unfounded security alarms, manufacturing confrontations or creating disturbances for propaganda purposes.
Security agencies should investigate the reported concerns about possible attempts by political actors to recruit armed persons or create panic ahead of the 2027 elections. Any such investigation must be evidence-driven and must not be used as an instrument for suppressing legitimate opposition.
No political party should be permitted to manufacture insecurity and then present itself as the victim. Equally, no government institution should use security as an excuse to obstruct lawful political participation.
The standard must be the same for everyone.
CHIYEAKA OHAA MUST ADDRESS QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS PUBLIC-SERVICE RECORD:
As Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC governorship candidate for Enugu State in the 2027 election, seeks the trust and mandate of the people of Enugu State, he must provide clear, credible and verifiable answers concerning allegations and legal controversies associated with different stages of his public career.
Anyone seeking to occupy the highest political office in Enugu State must be prepared to explain matters bearing directly on integrity, accountability, judgment and public trust.
What Became of the Reported 2018 ICPC Charges Against Ohaa?
In December 2018, the Federal Government, acting through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, reportedly filed charges against Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa and the then FCT Director of Lands, Adamu Jibreel.
Under charge number CR/76/18, reportedly filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, they were accused of obstructing an investigation into allegedly fraudulent land allocations and failing to honour official invitations connected with that investigation.
The people of Enugu State deserve clear answers to the following questions:
1. Was Chiyeaka Ohaa formally charged under case number CR/76/18?
2. What specific allegations were contained in the charge?
3. Why was he accused of refusing to honour the ICPC’s invitations?
4. Did he withhold any official, document or information requested by investigators?
5. What was his role in the land-allocation matters being investigated?
6. Did he obstruct, delay or otherwise frustrate the investigation?
7. Was the case tried, dismissed, withdrawn or struck out?
8. If the matter was resolved in his favour, will he publish the relevant court order or judgment?
9. Was he convicted, discharged or formally cleared in connection with the case?
- Why has the complete outcome of the proceeding not been placed before the Enugu electorate?
The public should not speculate about the outcome of the case. Chiyeaka Ohaa should publish the relevant charge, court records and final disposition so that voters can determine the facts for themselves.
What Was His Role in the Earlier EFCC Matter?
Former Senate President Ken Nnamani reportedly disclosed that he intervened in an earlier matter involving Chiyeaka Ohaa during the tenure of Nuhu Ribadu at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The reported account suggested that Ohaa was eventually treated as a prosecution witness rather than proceeding as a defendant.
That disclosure raises important questions:
1. What allegations initially brought Chiyeaka Ohaa to the attention of the EFCC?
2. Was he formally investigated, invited, arrested or recommended for prosecution?
3. What was the exact nature of the intervention attributed to Ken Nnamani?
4. Did that intervention influence the EFCC’s handling of the matter?
5. Why was Chiyeaka Ohaa subsequently treated as a prosecution witness?
6. Did he enter into a formal cooperation agreement with the EFCC?
7. Did he provide evidence against other individuals in exchange for being treated as a witness?
8. Were any proposed charges against him formally discontinued?
9. Was there a judicial decision clearing him of wrongdoing?
- Will he publish the relevant EFCC correspondence, court filings or other official records establishing what happened?
Political intervention in a law-enforcement matter, if accurately reported, is a legitimate issue of public concern. The people of Enugu State deserve to know whether the decisions taken were based exclusively on evidence and law or influenced by political considerations.
Again, the Coalition is not reaching a finding of wrongdoing. We are demanding transparency from a person seeking the mandate to govern Enugu State.
What Does Ohaa Know About the Alleged ₦200 Million Budget Demand?
Former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung publicly alleged that members of a National Assembly committee demanded ₦200 million during a budget-defence process.
If Chiyeaka Ohaa was serving as the relevant Permanent Secretary at the material time, he should clarify his knowledge of the incident by answering the following questions:
1. Was he the Permanent Secretary referred to in Solomon Dalung’s account?
2. Was he present at the budget-defence session during which the alleged demand was made?
3. Did any National Assembly member or committee representative discuss a ₦200 million payment with him?
4. Did he meet with committee members after the minister left the proceedings?
5. Was any payment requested from the ministry in connection with the passage or approval of its budget?
6. Did he report any improper demand to the minister, the police, the EFCC, the ICPC or another relevant authority?
7. Was any money approved, released, transferred or paid following the alleged demand?
8. Does he possess minutes, correspondence, payment records or other documents showing what transpired?
9. Was he questioned by an investigative agency regarding the allegation?
- Will he cooperate with an independent investigation and make the relevant records available?
They are legitimate requests for clarification arising from the reported account and the public positions he occupied.
Ohaa Must Provide Documents, Not Campaign Slogans
The people of Enugu State are entitled to assess the character, judgment and public-service record of every person seeking to govern them.
Accordingly, Chiyeaka Ohaa should provide:
•A certified copy of the charge reportedly filed in case number CR/76/18.
•The judgment, ruling or formal record showing how the case ended.
•His complete written response to the ICPC allegations.
•Documentary information concerning the earlier EFCC matter.
•Clarification of the intervention publicly attributed to Ken Nnamani.
•Records showing whether he was the Permanent Secretary connected with the budget episode described by Solomon Dalung.
•A categorical statement on whether he ever requested, authorised, facilitated, received or reported an improper payment.
•A public commitment to cooperate with any lawful investigation into these matters.
If the allegations are false, he should establish that fact with verifiable records. If the cases were dismissed or resolved in his favour, he should publish the relevant decisions. If reports have distorted his role, he should correct them with credible evidence.
What happened? What was his role? How were the matters resolved? Where are the official records?
People of Enugu are entitled to clear answers.
Enugu State deserve more than campaign slogans and carefully controlled statements. They deserve candidates whose qualifications, records and explanations can withstand independent scrutiny.
UCHE NNAJI MUST ALSO PROVIDE VERIFIABLE ANSWERS:
The Coalition believes that every candidate seeking to govern any state in Nigeria including Enugu State must submit to legitimate scrutiny concerning qualifications, integrity, public record and fitness for office.
Questions have been raised regarding the academic and national-service credentials associated with PDP governorship candidate Uche Nnaji. It has also been alleged that an INEC candidates’ publication lists a secondary-school qualification against his name while questions remain regarding university and National Youth Service Corps documents previously attributed to him.
The Coalition will not determine criminal liability through a press conference. That is the responsibility of the courts. Where criminal allegations are already before a court, the constitutional presumption of innocence must be respected.
Nevertheless, voters are entitled to request truthful, complete and independently verifiable information from anyone seeking executive authority.
We therefore call on Uche Nnaji to answer the following questions with authenticated institutional records:
- Was he awarded the university degree previously attributed to him?
- Did the National Youth Service Corps issue the certificate associated with his name?
- What qualifications did he submit to INEC for the 2027 governorship election?
- Why are the disputed documents reportedly absent from the qualification now available for public scrutiny?
- What is his complete response to the allegations reportedly pending before the court?
The existence of unresolved questions does not itself establish guilt. Likewise, a party nomination does not place a candidate beyond scrutiny.
A ballot is not a certificate of innocence, and silence is not an adequate answer to legitimate questions of public interest.
THE NDC MUST ADDRESS ITS INTERNAL DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES:
The Coalition has received serious allegations concerning the conduct of the NDC’s governorship primary and its treatment of aspirants in Enugu State.
These allegations must not be treated as established facts without proper documentation.
However, they are serious enough to require a transparent response from the party.
The NDC Enugu should disclose:
•The approved guidelines governing its primary election.
•The applicable nomination and expression-of-interest fees.
•The number of aspirants who participated in the process.
•The screening and appeal procedures available to aspirants.
•The process used to determine the eventual candidate.
•The outcome of complaints submitted after the exercise.
•Whether any aspirant is entitled to a refund under the party’s rules.
A party seeking to govern any state in Nigeria and Enugu State inclusive must demonstrate internal democracy, financial transparency and respect for its members.
Political participation must not become a marketplace in which access is determined solely by money.
Competence, integrity, vision and service must remain central to the democratic process.
If the NDC believes that the allegations against its primary process are false, it should respond with records rather than insults. If genuine mistakes occurred, the party should acknowledge them and make public apology. You cannot promise us a new Nigeria with a fraudulent foundation.
PRESENT YOUR ALTERNATIVE MANIFESTOS TO THE PEOPLE OF ENUGU STATE:
The Coalition’s message to Chiyeaka Ohaa, Uche Nnaji and every other governorship candidate is straightforward: stop overheating the polity and present your alternatives leadership agenda to your people.
If you believe Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has failed, identify those failures clearly and support your position with facts.
Tell the people of Enugu State:
•How you will create sustainable employment.
•How you will attract and retain responsible investment.
•How you will improve public education.
•How you will strengthen healthcare delivery.
•How you will fund and maintain infrastructure.
•How you will address urban and rural insecurity.
•How you will support agriculture and local enterprises.
•How you will manage public finances transparently.
•How you will protect civil liberties.
•How you will improve water, transportation and other public services.
•How your targets will be financed, implemented, measured and independently assessed.
That is the opposition Enugu State needs.
The 2027 governorship election in Enugu State should be a referendum on development, performance, accountability and the future direction of Enugu State. It must not become a competition in name-calling, conspiracy theories or unsubstantiated allegations.
Governor Peter Mbah must be judged on his administration’s record. His opponents must be judged on their character, competence, public records and proposed programmes.
Nobody should receive immunity from scrutiny.
OUR DEMANDS:
The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance calls for the following immediate steps:
1.The NDC should publish any authorisation it obtained for its proposed gathering at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
2.The police should conduct an impartial investigation into the shooting outside the NDC secretariat and prosecute every identified perpetrator.
3. Political parties should stop issuing unverified casualty figures or politically charged accounts unsupported by official records.
4. Public commentators should withdraw or correct allegations shown to be false.
5. Security agencies should guarantee equal protection and a level playing field for all political parties.
6. Political parties should comply with lawful notification and security requirements governing public gatherings.
7. Candidates facing legitimate questions about their qualifications or public records should publish authenticated documents from the relevant institutions.
8. Chiyeaka Ohaa should publish records showing the status and final outcome of charge number CR/76/18.
9. Chiyeaka Ohaa should provide a documented explanation of the earlier EFCC matter and the intervention attributed to Ken Nnamani.
- Chiyeaka Ohaa should clarify whether he was the Permanent Secretary referred to in Solomon Dalung’s account and disclose what he knew about the alleged ₦200 million demand.
- Uche Nnaji should provide independently verifiable answers concerning the academic and national-service credentials attributed to him.
- The NDC should respond transparently to allegations concerning its primary election and treatment of aspirants.
- All governorship candidates should release detailed manifestos containing measurable programmes, funding strategies and implementation priorities.
- Every political actor must reject violence, political thuggery, misinformation and attacks on public infrastructure.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH:
The Coalition will not support the conviction of any person in the court of partisan propaganda.
There is presently no publicly established evidence in the information before us proving that Governor Peter Mbah ordered, supervised or participated in the airport confrontation or the shooting outside the NDC secretariat.
Anyone with such evidence should submit it to the police and make it available through lawful channels. If no such evidence exists, the smear campaign must end.
Enugu belongs to all its people, regardless of party affiliation. Its peace must not be sacrificed for electoral advantage.
To the NDC and PDP governorship candidates, we say: steer clear of inflammatory politics. Stop turning unresolved incidents into campaign weapons.
Respect the investigation. Respect public institutions. Respect the people of Enugu State.
If you have a superior plan, publish it.
If you possess evidence of wrongdoing, present it.
If questions have been raised about your past public record, answer them with verifiable documents.
If you seek to govern Enugu State, demonstrate the discipline, transparency and responsibility that leadership demands.
The political future of Enugu State must be determined by evidence, performance, credible alternatives and the informed judgment of the electorate, not by intimidation, reckless accusations or manufactured outrage.
Protect the airport.
Investigate the shooting.
Prosecute the perpetrators.
Verify candidates’ credentials and records.
Reject political violence.
End the blackmail, address the allegations leveled against you and
Present credible alternatives to the people of Enugu.
SIGNED:
- Comrade Okpanachi Jacob – Principal
Convener,
COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (CCSGG) - Comrade Momoh Prince Danesi – National Coordinator,
CITIZENS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND ANTI CORRUPTION INITIATIVE - Comrade Friday James Onuh, National Secretary –INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND JUSTICE
- Comrade Igwe Martins – NATIONAL PEACE AMBASSADORS NETWORK
- Hajia Aisha Seidu, NATIONAL LEADER, PATRIOTIC ANTI-CORRUPTION WOMEN LEAGUE OF NIGERIA
- Comrade Ebiloma Abdullahi – NIGERIAN UNEMPLOYED YOUTH VANGUARD FOR NATIONAL REBIRTH
- Prince Chidiebere Ibe –INITIATIVE FOR DIPLOMATIC KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
- Success Ukoh – MASS MOVEMENT FOR A NEW NIGERIA
- Marcus Onokerhoraye – NATIONAL YOUTH MOVEMENT FOR CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP
- Dere Faka Ajubo – YOUTHS FOR NATIONAL REBIRTH INITIATIVE
For and on Behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CCSGG),
Abuja, Nigeria.
October 15, 2026.
