Abia State Governor Alex Otti has cautioned supporters of the Labour Party against taking the law into their hands or interfering with the campaign activities of rival political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning was given during the flag-off of the Labour Party's 2027 campaign in Umuahia, the state capital. Otti emphasized that political competition must be conducted within the ambit of the law.
Otti stressed that no political affiliation would shield anyone from arrest for disrupting the lawful activities of opposition parties. He declared that his administration would not tolerate political intolerance or the denial of opponents' democratic rights. The governor also stated that opposition parties were free to use public facilities, including stadiums, provided they complied with established procedures, obtained necessary approvals, and paid the stipulated fees.
The governor instructed security agencies to ensure that no political group was prevented from holding legitimate rallies or other campaign activities. He warned party loyalists against assuming that membership of the ruling party conferred immunity for acts capable of undermining the democratic process. Otti made it clear that anyone who attempted to obstruct any political group from holding their legitimate activities would be arrested and dealt with decisively.
Beyond the conduct of campaigns, Otti challenged opposition parties to raise the quality of political debate by offering alternative policy directions rather than relying on personal attacks or recycling issues that had been addressed by his administration. He urged political opponents to interrogate available performance data before making claims about the state. Otti pointed to Abia's ratings in the Citizen Satisfaction Index, State Performance Index, and Fiscal Performance Ranking by governance-monitoring organizations.
Otti argued that the experiences of Abians within and outside the country had lent credibility to external assessments of the state's development trajectory. He added that multilateral institutions had opened development assistance opportunities for Abia. The governor expressed appreciation to residents for their turnout at the campaign flag-off and called on party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and take the message of the party to communities across the state.
The governor also urged party supporters to knock on every door and remind people that they still had a job to complete. He invited them to join the campaign so that together they could conclude the journey that began 12 years ago in faith and optimism. Otti's administration has made significant strides in development, and he is determined to build on these achievements.
Key to Otti's message was the emphasis on maintaining peace and order during the campaign period. He encouraged all parties to conduct their campaigns in a fair and respectful manner. The governor's directive to security agencies to monitor the situation and take action against any violators underscores his commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti warns supporters against disrupting opposition campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Otti emphasizes that political competition must be conducted within the ambit of the law.
- The governor instructs security agencies to ensure that no political group is prevented from holding legitimate rallies or other campaign activities.
