Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has rejected allegations that his government blocked an opposition event in the state capital. Online controversies erupted after headlines reported how Peter Mbah denies stopping Peter Obi rally plans following unexpected venue cancellations.
The dispute centres on a planned town hall meeting organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Organizers selected the Amadeo Event Centre, located along Ebeano Tunnel in Enugu, to host the gathering. The event was scheduled to feature former presidential candidate Peter Obi before the facility withdrew access.
State Government Rejects Venue Interference Claims
Governor Mbah addressed the public directly through a verified social media statement on Wednesday. He dismissed the accusations as baseless and completely unfounded.
"My attention has just been drawn to a video circulating on some social media platforms, alleging that I gave an order denying a political party use of a private facility for their townhall event," Mbah stated. "This is preposterous and utter falsehood, because I did not."
The governor characterized the accusation as a desperate tactic by political opponents to attract public attention. While affirming that constitutional democracy guarantees freedom of expression, he cautioned that it does not extend to deliberate defamation.
He added that legal avenues exist to seek redress, warning that clear red lines should never be crossed.
Organizers Report Sudden Venue Cancellation
The controversy escalated after Princess Ada Ogbu, the NDC senatorial candidate for Enugu East, released a video online. Ogbu alleged that state authorities pressured the management of the event centre to stop the meeting for partisan reasons.
According to Ogbu, the campaign team had completed full commercial payments to secure the venue. Organizers paid 3.5 million Naira for the main hall alongside an extra 500,000 Naira for outdoor space.
She claimed that the facility management cancelled access without prior notice shortly before delegates and attendees arrived. The unexpected withdrawal left coordinators and supporters stranded outside the premises.
The development provoked immediate debate across political circles in the southeast, where town hall sessions draw significant public followings.
Unresolved Questions Surrounding Private Facility Rules
Key operational details about the withdrawal remain unclarified by the venue operators. The management of Amadeo Event Centre has not yet released a public statement explaining why the booking was cancelled.
It remains unverified whether the cancellation resulted from internal management policy, scheduling conflicts, or independent security assessments. State officials reiterated that the Enugu State Government does not manage private event halls or interfere in private commercial contracts.
Government spokespersons advised political groups to follow established administrative channels when planning large public gatherings. They emphasized that private venue transactions are independent business matters outside the executive branch's remit.
Political Atmosphere and Next Steps in Enugu
The disagreement underscores intensifying political activity in Enugu as parties strengthen grassroots networks across southeastern states. Major political movements continue to test their organizational appeal in key urban centres.
Supporters of Peter Obi maintain that open dialogue and town hall meetings remain vital for civic engagement. State authorities maintain that Enugu remains open, peaceful, and secure for lawful political activities by all registered organizations.
Organizers confirmed they are evaluating alternative locations across Enugu to hold the interactive session without further disruption.
