Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned political actors against violence during campaigns for the 2027 general elections, saying his administration will not tolerate activities capable of disrupting the state’s peaceful political environment.
Otti gave the warning in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.
The governor said Abia had provided an open environment for political activities and directed security agencies to ensure that political parties and their candidates could campaign without intimidation or violence.
“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” Otti said.
He also urged the various groups and campaign structures operating within the Labour Party to coordinate their activities with the party leadership and other stakeholders.
According to the governor, political campaigns are organised through political parties under Nigeria’s current electoral system, and candidates and support groups should therefore work within established party structures.
Otti described membership of the campaign council as a responsibility rather than an opportunity for individuals to assert superiority over others. He asked members to work collectively and engage grassroots structures in their respective areas.
“Consider yourself as best among equals,” the governor told members of the council, stressing that no individual or group could successfully manage the party’s campaign alone.
He also directed candidates to establish their own campaign councils to complement the activities of the state campaign council.
The governor said the state campaign council would provide overall coordination, while individual candidates and grassroots structures would be responsible for mobilising support within their areas.
Otti further said the 2027 campaign should focus more on issues, programmes and the administration’s record rather than the type of promises that dominated the 2023 election cycle.
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He urged party members to remain focused on communicating their message to voters and avoid being distracted by what he described as propaganda from opponents.
The governor disclosed that the campaign structure would also include a Campaign Advisory Council, with former Abia Deputy Governor Ude Chukwu expected to play a leading role as chairman.
Responding on behalf of the council, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, pledged that members would deploy their experience and work towards achieving the Labour Party’s objectives in the 2027 elections.
Otti’s warning comes as political parties across the country intensify preparations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Recent political activities in Abia have included Labour Party campaigns and calls for support for Otti and other party candidates.