By Habeeb Ibrahim
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned members of the ruling Labour Party (LP) against attacking opposition parties and disrupting their political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found intimidating political opponents or interfering with their lawful campaigns, including members and supporters of his own party.
The governor gave the directive during the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Umuahia, where he stressed that his political position did not give anyone the authority to harass opposition members.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” he said.
He urged security agencies to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt political gatherings, warning that party affiliation would not protect offenders from prosecution.
Otti also maintained that opposition parties must be allowed to use public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, for their political programmes, provided they obtained the necessary approvals and paid the required fees.
He urged Labour Party supporters to focus on mobilising voters, explaining the administration’s achievements and presenting their political programmes rather than intimidating opponents.
The governor’s warning comes amid reported incidents of political violence and attacks on opposition supporters in parts of the country as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
On November 7, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked members and supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident reportedly left several participants injured and campaign vehicles damaged. Among those allegedly attacked was the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Hon. Emerure Favour, who was reportedly stabbed.
Similar allegations of intimidation and disruption of political activities have also emerged from Benue, Kaduna and Enugu states.
Otti said political competition should be determined by ideas, policies and the ability to convince voters rather than violence and intimidation.
He maintained that all political parties have the constitutional right to organise meetings, mobilise supporters and campaign freely in Abia State.
