Mbah responds to claims of stopping NDC's event and Peter Obi's visit

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has denied claims that he stopped the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from using Amadeo Event Centre for their town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The NDC's claim

Sampson Ukwu, the media aide to the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Christian Chinyeaka, said in a statement on Wednesday that Mbah was behind the change of mind from the event centre after they had received approval.

"We had already secured the venue for Thursday at 2:00 pm.

"This last-minute withdrawal, after public claims of interference, is another attempt to disrupt peaceful political activities of the opposition in Enugu State," Ukwu said.

He mentioned that the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were set to speak at the event.

He insisted the event would go on despite pressure against the NDC.

"Mr Peter Obi, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, and the whole NDC family in Enugu cannot be intimidated.

"We have faced worse. We will not be stopped by venue withdrawals or any form of political pressure," he said.

A video shared with the statement showed NDC supporters suggesting that the state government ordered the event centre to cancel its approval to stop their gathering.

In the statement, Ukwu urged Governor Mbah to make sure the Thursday event goes on smoothly, in the spirit of fairness.

"A government that believes in democracy should not work against peaceful gatherings of the opposition.

"Any further disruption will only confirm what Ndi Enugu already know," he said.

‘It’s shameful’

In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Mbah called the claims of blocking the NDC’s event false.

"This is preposterous and utter falsehood, because I did not," he said.

The governor pointed out that Amadeo Event Centre is a private facility and it is unlikely he would instruct a private business to stop the opposition from holding their event.

"This is shameful and shows a desperate move by the opposition to gain attention," he said.

‘Free speech, not freedom to defame’

Mbah emphasized that while democracy allows freedom of speech, it does not mean one can defame others.

"Democracy also provides ways to seek justice. So, let it be clear that there are limits that should never be crossed," he warned.