Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned against political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general election, directing security agencies to arrest anyone attempting to prevent political parties or groups from carrying out legitimate campaign activities across the state.
The governor insisted that all political organisations must be allowed to campaign freely, regardless of their affiliations, stressing that his administration would not tolerate attacks or disruptions targeting political opponents.
Otti issued the warning on Sunday while addressing Labour Party members at an event marking the inauguration of the Abia State Labour Party Advisory Campaign Council.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning. You have no such mandate from me,” he declared.
His remarks underscored his position that political competition should be conducted peacefully, without intimidation or interference with the lawful activities of rival parties.
The event also featured the presentation of party flags to Labour Party candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Speaking during the programme, Agwu described the party’s campaign theme as a reflection of the achievements recorded under Otti’s administration and a commitment to delivering further improvements.
He charged members of the campaign council to demonstrate discipline, loyalty and dedication throughout the electioneering period.
Agwu also urged the campaign team to focus on issues affecting residents and highlight what he described as the administration’s verifiable achievements rather than engage in personal attacks.
In separate remarks, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s electoral prospects.
Both politicians interpreted the large turnout at the gathering as an indication of public support for the party.
They, however, urged supporters to translate their enthusiasm into votes for Labour Party candidates during the 2027 elections.
Religious leaders who attended the event also offered assessments of the governor’s performance.
The Methodist Bishop of Umuahia, Dr Chibuzo Opoko, commended the administration’s efforts in road construction, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare and security.
Opoko particularly praised improvements in environmental sanitation and prayed for Otti to secure another four-year term to consolidate his administration’s projects.
Similarly, the General Overseer of Living Word Ministries, Emma Okorie, described the governor as a visionary leader whose policies had contributed to the state’s development.
Delivering his homily, Okorie said improvements in environmental cleanliness had helped change negative perceptions previously associated with Abia.
He encouraged the governor to sustain the administration’s development initiatives.
The inauguration brought together political stakeholders, party supporters and religious leaders as the Labour Party intensified preparations for the 2027 polls.
Otti’s warning placed particular emphasis on maintaining a peaceful political environment in which all parties could campaign without obstruction or intimidation.
Ezeana Emmanuel
