Abia State Governor Alex Otti has issued a stern warning against political intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing security agencies to arrest and take decisive action against anyone attempting to disrupt the campaign activities of political parties across the state.
The governor made it clear that no individual or group had his approval to attack political opponents, prevent rival parties from campaigning or interfere with their legitimate political activities.
Otti delivered the warning on Sunday while addressing members and supporters of the Labour Party during the formal flag-off of the party’s 2027 election campaign, which also featured an interdenominational church service at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The event, held under the theme “Forward Ever, Backward Never,” marked the beginning of the party’s campaign activities as it prepares for another electoral contest in Abia State.
Beyond calling for peaceful political participation, the governor used the occasion to explain why he is seeking another four-year mandate, outlining three major priorities he hopes to achieve if re-elected in 2027.
Otti Directs Security Agencies to Arrest Political Trouble-Makers
Addressing the gathering, Otti emphasised that democracy must allow every political party to exercise its constitutional rights without fear of harassment or intimidation.
He disclosed that he had already issued instructions to security agencies to deal firmly with anyone attempting to obstruct political activities or prevent opposition parties from carrying out legitimate campaigns.
The governor particularly warned his supporters against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that political loyalty should never become an excuse for attacking opponents.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning. You have no such mandate from me,” Otti declared.
He reiterated that his administration would not tolerate violence, intimidation or any attempt to undermine the democratic rights of other political parties.
According to him, political disagreements should be settled through democratic engagement rather than threats, physical confrontations or attempts to silence opposing voices.
The governor also reminded supporters that his administration had publicly directed that opposition parties must be allowed access to public facilities, including stadiums, for their political activities.
“I have since given a public directive, and I am repeating it here, that opposition parties should not be restricted from the use of public facilities, including the stadium,” he said.
His position reflects a call for an open political environment in which all parties can present their candidates and campaign messages without unnecessary restrictions.
Governor Urges Political Parties to Focus on Issues, Not Personal Attacks
Otti also challenged political parties and their candidates to make the 2027 election campaign about policies, programmes and solutions to the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
He urged politicians to present their manifestos, explain what they intend to achieve and allow voters to make informed decisions based on the quality of their proposals.
Rather than engaging in personal attacks or unnecessary political arguments, he encouraged candidates to concentrate on issues that directly affect the lives of residents.
The governor congratulated opposition parties on successfully completing their internal candidate-selection processes and wished their candidates well as they prepare to campaign across Abia.
He maintained that the strength of democracy lies in the availability of different political choices, giving citizens the freedom to decide who deserves their votes.
Otti further urged Labour Party members to demonstrate maturity, discipline and tolerance throughout the campaign period.
He said peaceful participation and issue-based political engagement would help protect the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
Why Alex Otti Wants Another Four Years as Abia Governor
One of the major highlights of the event was Otti’s explanation of his decision to seek re-election in 2027.
The governor said he and his running mate, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, had presented themselves for another four-year mandate to consolidate the achievements of their administration over the past three years.
He explained that the decision was driven by three important objectives that he believes are necessary to secure Abia’s long-term development.
The first objective is to move governance from rescue to consolidation.
According to Otti, his administration has spent its first term addressing existing challenges and laying the groundwork for improved governance. He believes another term would provide an opportunity to strengthen those foundations and ensure that ongoing projects and reforms deliver lasting benefits.
The second objective is to institutionalise excellence and accountability in public service.
The governor said he wants to build a government system in which efficiency, transparency, professionalism and responsibility become permanent features of public administration rather than achievements dependent on individual officeholders.
His third priority is to reposition Abia State to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
Otti believes the state must prepare for changing economic realities by strengthening its institutions, encouraging development and creating an environment capable of attracting opportunities.
He added that a second term would also allow his administration to prepare a new generation of leaders who could sustain the state’s progress beyond his time in office.
For the governor, re-election is therefore an opportunity to deepen ongoing reforms, strengthen public institutions and establish a more sustainable development structure for Abia.
Otti Mobilises Supporters Ahead of February 6, 2027 Election
As preparations for the governorship election gather momentum, Otti called on Labour Party supporters to intensify their grassroots mobilisation efforts.
He urged party members to reach voters across the state, engage communities and explain the achievements and programmes of his administration.
The governor specifically encouraged supporters to work towards securing victory for the Labour Party in the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
He emphasised the importance of active participation at the grassroots level, suggesting that the party’s electoral success would depend partly on its ability to connect with voters across different communities.
The campaign launch also provided an opportunity for party leaders to reaffirm their commitment to retaining political control of Abia State.
Labour Party National Chairman Praises Otti’s Performance
Speaking at the event, Labour Party National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, praised the governor’s administration, describing Abia as an example of purposeful leadership and development.
Usman, who was represented by a member of the party’s National Working Committee, Mr Salisu Mohammed, said the impressive turnout at the campaign launch demonstrated the level of confidence and support enjoyed by the Otti administration.
She described the gathering as evidence that many Abians remained committed to the Labour Party and supported the governor’s ambition to secure another term.
Usman also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections, predicting victories beginning in Abia and extending to other parts of Nigeria.
“The whole country is looking up to our party to provide the credible platform that it represents for the salvation of Nigeria,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the party’s ambition to strengthen its political presence beyond Abia and position itself as a major force in the country’s electoral landscape.
Abia Labour Party Leaders Predict Victory in 2027
The Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Peter Azubuike, also expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
He predicted that Labour Party candidates would win the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in the state.
Azubuike disclosed that the party was already mobilising its members and supporters for an extensive door-to-door campaign aimed at reaching voters in different communities.
He urged party members to remain united, committed and actively involved in the campaign, expressing confidence that their efforts would translate into electoral victories.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Abia Labour Party Campaign Council, Chief Agwu Agwu, described the campaign theme, “Forward Ever, Backward Never,” as both a reflection of the administration’s achievements and a call for greater performance.
He encouraged members of the campaign council to demonstrate discipline, loyalty and dedication while promoting the governor’s record in office.
Agwu also stressed the importance of issue-based campaigns built around achievements that could be verified by the public.
Abaribe, Assembly Speaker and Clerics Endorse Otti’s Administration
Other prominent political figures at the campaign launch also expressed support for the governor.
The lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the large turnout at the event as evidence of the goodwill enjoyed by the Labour Party.
They urged residents to translate their enthusiasm and support into votes when Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.
Religious leaders also used the occasion to commend the governor’s performance.
The Methodist Bishop of Umuahia, Dr Chibuzo Opoko, praised the administration for improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare and security.
He also commended the government’s environmental sanitation initiatives, expressing hope that Otti would receive another four-year mandate to continue his development agenda.
In his sermon, the General Overseer of Living Word Ministries, Mr Emma Okorie, described Otti as a visionary leader whose administration had brought significant changes to Abia.
Okorie particularly highlighted improvements in environmental sanitation, saying the changes had helped transform the state’s former negative public image.
He said he was now proud to identify with Abia and encouraged the governor to maintain the momentum of development.
Labour Party Inaugurates Campaign Advisory Council
The campaign launch concluded with two significant party activities: the inauguration of the Abia State Labour Party Advisory Campaign Council and the presentation of party flags to all candidates.
The inauguration formally established the campaign advisory structure responsible for supporting the party’s preparations and coordinating its political activities ahead of the elections.
The presentation of flags to candidates also marked an important step in the party’s mobilisation efforts as it prepares to defend its position in Abia.
With Otti seeking another term and the Labour Party expressing confidence in its electoral prospects, the campaign is expected to focus heavily on the administration’s record, its development plans and its ability to sustain ongoing reforms.
However, the governor’s strongest message at the event was his insistence that political competition must remain peaceful.
By warning against intimidation and promising equal access to public facilities, Otti has challenged political actors across Abia to allow voters to make their choices freely as the state moves towards the 2027 elections.
Source: NAN
