The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Imo State has firmly denied reports that its party meeting was attacked in Owerri, stating the incident did not involve any NDC gathering. The party released a press statement through its spokesperson, Ayozie Uchechukwu, to correct what it described as “gross misinformation” circulating online, including a video showing a violent disruption of a gathering. NDC emphasized that the event shown in the video was not an official party meeting and urged the public and media to verify facts with official party channels before reporting.
The party stressed that it does not condone any form of political violence and reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. It explained that a well-structured political party like the NDC would never hold a meeting without formally notifying and securing clearance from relevant security agencies. The party added that it would never risk the safety of its members by conducting gatherings without proper coordination and security measures.
NDC highlighted that key party leaders were entirely unaware of the gathering in question. Mr. Emeka Ihueze, the NDC Owerri Municipal Chairman, did not convene the meeting and had no knowledge of it. Similarly, Mr. Stanley Igbo, the Owerri Zonal Chairman, was not informed or aware of any such event. Barrister Reginald Uwakwe, the Imo State Chairman of NDC, also confirmed he had no knowledge of the meeting. The party stated that claiming the gathering was an NDC event is “completely false and misleading.”
The NDC spokesperson urged journalists, political actors, and members of the public to cross-check information with official party sources before publishing reports. The party condemned the violent actions of those responsible for the disturbance, calling them “barbaric” and unacceptable in a civilized society. It expressed sympathy for those who sustained injuries during the incident and called on the police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The party reiterated its stance against violence and emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly in a democratic society. As the NDC continues to clarify the facts surrounding the incident, it remains committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. The situation underscores the need for responsible reporting and fact-checking in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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