The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has responded sharply to the controversy surrounding the recent visit of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The visit, which was intended for a town hall meeting, faced allegations from the NDC that the state government had instructed venue owners to deny them access. However, the event proceeded as scheduled, with venue owners clarifying that the NDC had not made a legitimate booking.

In a statement released on Sunday, Steve Oruruo, the spokesperson for the Enugu APC Campaign Council, accused the NDC of fabricating claims to mislead the public. He described the situation as a series of spurious allegations meant to tarnish the image of the state. Oruruo stated, "Silence could have been golden, save for the brazen frivolity that characterised the chronicled and dramatised falsehood intentionally deployed to embarrass and impugn the image of the entire state."

The APC spokesperson further elaborated that the event centre's owners had exposed what he termed the NDC's "lying machinery." He referenced a Dr. Sabastine Chuks Eze, who allegedly misrepresented himself as the Registrar of the Nigeria Institute of Healthcare Givers and Medical Social Work Practitioners. According to Oruruo, this misrepresentation was part of a broader attempt by the NDC to stage the town hall meeting under false pretenses.

Oruruo criticized the NDC for their tactics and questioned the integrity of their leadership, particularly targeting Mrs. Ada Ogbu, a prominent figure in the NDC. He urged her to apologize to the people of Enugu for her alleged role in spreading misinformation. He stated, "Where is the ecclesiastical rectitude, untainted probity, and self-acclaimed morality that former Governor Peter Obi preaches? Have they not been cascaded to Enugu NDC members?"

The APC emphasized that the NDC's presence in Enugu is minimal, claiming that they only gain traction when discussing the state government or its leadership. Oruruo remarked that the NDC's attempts to link unfounded allegations to the state's reputation are damaging and counterproductive. He urged the electorate to focus on substantive issues and the capabilities of candidates as the 2027 elections approach.

In conclusion, the APC reiterated that Enugu State remains a peaceful and welcoming environment, calling for a campaign based on ideas and solutions rather than alarmism and deceit.