Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has charged all security agencies in the state to ensure a level playing field for all political parties to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns in Abia. This directive was given during the monthly State Security Council Meeting, where security situations across Abia were discussed. The meeting aimed to address potential security concerns and ensure a smooth electoral process.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), briefed journalists after the meeting. They assured the public of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027. According to CP Afolabi, Governor Otti explicitly stated that all he wants is for the security agencies to create a level playing field for all political parties.
CP Afolabi further disclosed that Governor Otti directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. This, he believes, will make their work less cumbersome. The Police Commissioner also revealed that his Command is prepared for rancour-free 2027 polls, following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State and chaired by the Inspector-General of Police.
Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd) corroborated the CP's statement, saying that Governor Otti 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 emphasized that with this level playing field across party lines, mischief-makers will not have any excuse to cause trouble.
Commander Ubah 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. This statement aims to reassure the public that the security agencies are committed to maintaining law and order during the electoral process.
The directive from Governor Otti is seen as a move to promote a fair and peaceful electoral process in Abia State. By ensuring a level playing field, all political parties will have an equal opportunity to carry out their campaigns and activities, which is essential for a democratic election.
The security agencies in Abia State have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring a violence-free electioneering period. With the governor's directive and the agencies' preparedness, Abia State is expected to have a smooth and peaceful electoral process in 2027.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed security agencies to provide a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The security agencies in Abia State have assured the public of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.
- Governor Otti's directive aims to promote a fair and peaceful electoral process in Abia State.
