Peter Obi’s party NDC appoints ex-General who called Lekki shooting videos ‘photoshopped’ as campaign security chief

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed retired Major General John Enenche as Director of Security and Intelligence of its National Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 presidential election, triggering renewed controversy over his comments on the #EndSARS protests.

According to SaharaReporters, Enenche’s appointment was announced Sunday as part of the campaign structure supporting presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Enenche, a former Director of Defence Information, attracted criticism in October 2020 after dismissing videos showing soldiers allegedly shooting protesters at Lagos’ Lekki Tollgate.

“These videos were cropped and photoshopped. If not that I am not permitted, I would have forwarded it to you. Up till this morning, I got analysts to analyse the video and they said it was cropped and put together,” he said.

His remarks contradicted subsequent findings by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which concluded that soldiers shot protesters during the October 20 demonstration.

Enenche was previously included in Obi’s 2023 Labour Party presidential campaign council but was subsequently removed following widespread criticism.

His latest appointment has revived concerns among #EndSARS supporters questioning the NDC’s commitment to police accountability.

The retired general will oversee security arrangements, intelligence coordination and campaign safety nationwide.

The NDC has not publicly explained its decision to reinstate Enenche despite the earlier controversy.

The appointment comes as political parties intensify preparations for the forthcoming presidential election.