2027 Alarm: Tinubu May Lose Enugu Over Political Violence — PDP Chieftain Warns
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Basil Ani, has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks losing Enugu State in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government fails to act on alleged political violence in the state.
In a strong statement on Tuesday, Ani said anger over alleged attacks on PDP members is now being transferred to the Federal Government and to President Tinubu personally, and could trigger a protest vote.
From Anti-Mbah to Anti-Tinubu?
According to Ani, what started as opposition to Governor *Peter Mbah’s* administration is gradually assuming a wider dimension, with opposition politicians, traditional rulers and ordinary citizens questioning the Federal Government’s silence.
“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” Ani queried.
He cited a series of alleged attacks on PDP gatherings:
– August 16: Attack on ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3
– August 29: Attack on meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West LGA.
– September 12: Two PDP ward meetings attacked, with more than eight people reportedly shot and injured, and property destroyed.
“Take The Side of Democracy”
The PDP chieftain said the Federal Government should not see the crisis as mere APC vs PDP rivalry, but as a threat to democratic stability.
“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.
He urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate all incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of party affiliation.
Ani warned that traditional rulers and religious leaders — who hold huge influence in Enugu communities — could sway voting decisions if they become convinced that Abuja is indifferent to alleged victimisation of their people.
He noted that the emergence of *Chief Uche Nnaji* as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate has further intensified the political contest in Enugu, a state that has historically been PDP stronghold but showed shifting patterns in 2023.
“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” Ani concluded.
The warning comes as Enugu is already boiling over today’s protest by traders and drivers over taxation and fuel prices, adding to the political tension in the Coal City.
APC in Enugu had earlier distanced itself from any political violence in the state.
