Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has denied allegations that he ordered the withdrawal of a private venue for a town hall meeting scheduled to feature Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Governor Mbah described the allegation as false, insisting that he had no involvement in the decision to deny the organisers access to the facility.
He made the clarification in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, following the circulation of a video on social media alleging that he directed the cancellation.
The governor said he was only recently made aware of the allegation and described claims that he ordered the venue withdrawal as “preposterous and utter falsehood.”
He accused opposition figures of attempting to attract public attention through what he described as unfounded allegations.
Governor Mbah also warned that while democracy guarantees freedom of expression, such freedom does not extend to defamation.
He said those who believe they have been wronged have legal avenues through which they can seek redress.
Venue withdrawn ahead of Obi, Kwankwaso meeting
The controversy followed the reported withdrawal of Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu as the venue for an NDC town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, 29 October 2026.
The meeting was expected to feature Mr Obi and Mr Kwankwaso.
A video circulating on social media showed NDC official Princess Ada Ogbu confronting venue staff over the decision, with claims that the state government had pressured the private facility to cancel the event.
Reports said the venue had been paid for ahead of the meeting and that its withdrawal came less than 24 hours before the scheduled event.
NDC alleges political interference
The NDC had accused unnamed political interests of attempting to frustrate its activities in Enugu State following the venue dispute.
The party’s Enugu State governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, reportedly condemned the development and maintained that the town hall meeting would proceed despite the setback.
The party also called on Governor Mbah to ensure that its political activities were not disrupted.
However, there is no independent evidence establishing that Governor Mbah personally ordered the venue management to withdraw permission. The governor has firmly denied doing so.
Mbah warns against defamation
Governor Mbah said the opposition should make use of available democratic and legal channels when disputes arise rather than making allegations capable of damaging individuals’ reputations.
He maintained that his administration remained focused on governing Enugu State and delivering on its development agenda.
The dispute comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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