ENUGU, Nigeria — Organisers of a town hall meeting expected to feature Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, have accused the Enugu State Government of interfering with preparations for the event scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at Amadeo Event Centre.
The allegation followed reports that event organisers and decorators were prevented from setting up the venue less than 24 hours before the planned gathering.
The development has prompted protests from NDC figures and calls for supporters to attend the event.
Watch a video footage sent to This Dawn News by the would-be decorators of the event below:
In a message circulated on Wednesday, Eunice Atuejide urged residents of Enugu and surrounding communities to turn out in support of the organisers.
Atuejide alleged that they had been barred from decorating the venue.
“The governor apparently forbade us from decorating the venue for the townhall,” Atuejide said, insisting that the organisers would stand their ground.
Her appeal ended with the emphatic declaration: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!”
Video Shows Organisers Claiming Preparations Were Stopped in Enugu
In a video recording circulating alongside the appeal, a woman involved in the preparations said decorators and other event personnel were being prevented from unloading equipment and making arrangements for the following day’s programme.
According to the speaker, those involved were told that the venue was reserved for student events and could not be used for a political gathering.
“They’re refusing to let us get ready for tomorrow,” she said, describing how the team was allegedly stopped from entering or preparing the facility.
The speaker called on supporters to turn out.
They argued that allowing the incident to pass without a response could encourage further intimidation during the 2027 election period.
She also made allegations about previous harassment and the killing of supporters.
Those claims have not been independently verified and could not be established from the video transcript alone.
Reports Say Venue Management Withdrew Permission
A report said the management of Amadeo Event Centre had allegedly withdrawn permission for the town hall meeting after NDC officials arrived on Wednesday to prepare for Thursday’s event.
Reports, meanwhile, indicate that the venue had been paid for in advance and that the owner, Pastor Ugo Chime, allegedly told party officials he was under pressure not to host the meeting.
NDC officials, including Enugu East senatorial candidate Princess Ada Ogbu and governorship candidate Chinyeaka Ohaa, were reported to have challenged the decision and sought a resolution that would allow the programme to proceed.
These details remain attributed to the publication and the sources it cited.
Other reports show that the Obidient Movement HQ accused Governor Peter Mbah of directing the alleged obstruction.
The report did not provide independent documentary evidence establishing that the governor issued such an instruction.
Enugu Governor’s Alleged Role Yet to Be Independently Established
Although the organisers and supporters have attributed the disruption to Governor Mbah, the available reports do not independently establish that he personally ordered the venue restrictions.
The venue management’s position and the state government’s response are important to clarifying things.
These will explain whether the issue arose from a government directive, a decision by the private venue operator, contractual concerns, or another reason.
As of the time of publication, no response from Governor Mbah or the Enugu State Government was available in the reports reviewed for this story.
Political Rights and Access to Venues
The reported dispute raises questions about the ability of political parties and candidates to hold lawful public engagements without arbitrary interference.
At the same time, the circumstances surrounding the venue decision need to be established through statements from the parties involved and any relevant booking or cancellation records.
If the organisers had a valid agreement with the venue, the terms of that agreement and the reasons for any withdrawal would be central to resolving the dispute.
Enugu Town Hall Scheduled for Thursday
Atuejide called on residents of Enugu and neighbouring communities to attend the planned town hall at Amadeo Event Centre on Thursday, October 29.
Whether the meeting will proceed at the original venue remained uncertain in the reports reviewed.
The organisers’ appeal indicates that they intended to continue pressing for access, while NDC officials were reportedly attempting to resolve the dispute.
This Dawn News will update this report when the Enugu State Government, Governor Peter Mbah, or Amadeo Event Centre provides a response, or when the organisers confirm the final venue arrangements.
