The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations linking the party, its leaders or the state government to an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The APC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute, described the allegations as misleading, unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

The party also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and make the findings public.

The development followed an attack on an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community in Nkanu West on Saturday, September 12, where police said armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted the gathering with sporadic gunfire.

According to the Enugu State Police Command, two attendees were injured in the incident. The command also confirmed a separate disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) political gathering at St Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where canopies and chairs prepared for the event were reportedly destroyed.

Reacting to allegations that the attack was politically motivated and linked to the ruling party, the APC said it had nothing to fear from an investigation.

Obute said the party would support the prosecution of anyone found responsible for violence or criminality, regardless of political affiliation or status.

The APC urged security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and make the facts known to the public.

“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 party said.

The party also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations and civil society groups to promote peace and dialogue as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC had earlier accused the APC of sponsoring thugs who allegedly attacked its members during the grassroots meeting.

The opposition party said several of its members sustained gunshot injuries and that party materials, canopies and chairs were destroyed during the incident.

The NDC subsequently called on the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack and investigate any alleged sponsors.

The NDC’s Enugu chapter later listed eight members it said sustained gunshot injuries. However, the police’s initial account confirmed two people injured, making it important for the final casualty figure to be established by authorities.

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an investigation into the reported attacks on the NDC and PDP gatherings.

Police spokesman SP Daniel Ndukwe said the command had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

The police also said neither of the two political gatherings had previously notified the command or requested security coverage.

The investigation is expected to establish the identity and motive of the attackers and determine whether the incidents were connected to political rivalry or other factors.

The incidents have heightened concerns about political violence as parties begin intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC urged political actors and residents to reject violence and resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic means.

For now, no official investigation has established a link between the APC or the Enugu State Government and the attack. The allegations remain disputed, while security agencies continue their probe.

The police investigation will therefore be critical in determining who was behind the violence and whether any political actors or groups were involved.