Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday ordered security agencies to arrest and prosecute any members of the ruling Labour Party or other supporters found attacking opposition parties, intimidating their members or disrupting lawful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Umuahia, Otti said political affiliation would offer no protection from the law.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” Otti told party supporters.
“Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members.”
The governor stressed that no individual or group had his authorisation to harass opponents, disrupt gatherings or obstruct political activities anywhere in the state. He insisted that opposition parties must be allowed to use public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, once they secure the required approvals and pay the prescribed fees.
Otti urged his supporters to focus on mobilising voters and explaining the party’s record rather than attacking rivals. He said democratic competition should rest on ideas and policies, not intimidation or violence.
The directive comes amid reports of political attacks in several states. On November 7, suspected hoodlums allegedly assaulted supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress during a rally in Asaba, Delta State, leaving several people injured, including the Delta coordinator of the Obidient Movement, who was reportedly stabbed. Similar incidents have been reported in Benue, Kaduna and Enugu.
Otti maintained that political differences must not descend into violence and that opposition parties retain the constitutional right to organise and campaign freely in Abia State.
