Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has emphasized the importance of a peaceful and open environment for political activities in the state, warning that violence would not be tolerated during the 2027 electioneering campaign. On Tuesday, in Umuahia, Otti inaugurated the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming his commitment to providing a level playing field for all political campaigns. He directed security agencies to ensure that all political parties and their candidates can campaign freely without intimidation or violence.
According to Otti, everything about political campaigns is structured around political parties, noting that independent candidacy is not allowed in Nigeria yet. Therefore, all pro-groups of the Labour Party, including Abia Arise and the various campaign councils of individual candidates, must work together. He advised party candidates to work with the leadership of their respective parties and other stakeholders to achieve their objectives. Otti also emphasized that the appointment of members to the campaign council is a call to service, not an opportunity for anyone to assume superiority over others.
During the inauguration, Otti charged members of the council to work with the party structures and stakeholders at the grassroots to ensure victory for the party. He directed them to consider themselves as best among equals, stressing that the responsibility before them was to work collectively for the success of the party. The governor also emphasized that the leadership of the campaign extended beyond those physically present at the inauguration, adding that everybody is involved.
Otti urged the candidates to constitute their own campaign councils, saying such structures would strengthen the party and help it achieve better results. He assured that the state campaign council would provide overall coordination, while candidates and grassroots structures must equally take responsibility for mobilizing support in their respective areas. The governor emphasized that while the 2023 campaign was largely characterized by promises, the 2027 campaign would focus more on issues, achievements, and programs that matter to the people.
The governor cautioned members against allowing opponents to distract them with propaganda, urging them to remain focused on issues and communicate the party's message effectively to the electorate. He disclosed that the campaign council would be complemented by a Campaign Advisory Council, which would be constituted with the former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Chukwu, playing a key role as chairman. This move aims to ensure that the party's campaign is well-coordinated and effective.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Director-General of the campaign council, Agwu Agwu, assured Otti that the council would work diligently to meet and exceed his expectations. Agwu pledged to deploy their collective experiences and commitment to secure victory for the Labour Party. With this development, the party is expected to intensify its campaign efforts in Abia State, with the governor's leadership and guidance.
The Labour Party's campaign in Abia State is expected to be crucial in the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to make significant gains in the state. Governor Otti's emphasis on a peaceful and open environment for political activities is seen as a positive development, given the often-violent nature of Nigerian elections. The party's focus on issues, achievements, and programs that matter to the people is also expected to resonate with voters in the state.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti warns against violence during the 2027 electioneering campaign.
- The governor emphasizes the need for a peaceful and open environment for political activities in the state.
- The Labour Party's campaign in Abia State is expected to be crucial in the 2027 general elections.
