Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured all political parties in the state of a level playing field, free and fair campaigns and elections in 2027. The governor made this assurance during the monthly State Security Council meeting held in Umuahia. He tasked security agencies across the state to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections. According to the governor, all political parties should be allowed to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns in Abia without harassment or intimidation.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Mr. Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (rtd), briefed newsmen in Umuahia after the meeting. They quoted the governor as appealing for a level playing field for all political parties. The governor directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. This, according to the Commissioner of Police, has made their work less cumbersome.
The monthly State Security Council meeting affords security chiefs in Abia State the opportunity to review security situations across the state. The meeting regularly reviews security situations and plans ways of sustaining and improving on the gains recorded in keeping the state safe and secure. The Commissioner of Police declared that the governor has made their work easier by explicitly stating that he wants a level playing field for all.
On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Police Commissioner disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027. The retreat was chaired by the Inspector-General of Police and attended by some governors, senior police officers, and other stakeholders, with the support of the Abia State Government.
Corroborating with the Commissioner of Police, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah said the governor has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. He warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The governor's security adviser opined that the law has a long arm and will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The state will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law. He therefore warned that anyone who wants to cause trouble will be dealt with accordingly.
The assurance from the governor and the security agencies has provided a measure of relief to political parties and stakeholders in the state. With a level playing field across party lines, stakeholders do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse. The 2027 elections are expected to be free and fair, with all parties having an equal opportunity to campaign and participate in the electoral process.
Key points
- Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, assures all political parties of a level playing field and adequate security during campaigns and elections in 2027.
