Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned members and supporters of the Labour Party against attacking or obstructing opposition parties as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti gave the warning on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while formally flagging off the Labour Party’s 2027 campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium. He said his administration would not tolerate political intimidation or attempts to prevent rival parties from exercising their democratic rights.
The governor stressed that opposition parties must be allowed to use public facilities, including stadia, provided they follow the required procedures, obtain the necessary approvals and pay the stipulated fees.
He said he had directed security agencies to arrest anyone found disrupting the legitimate political activities of another party, regardless of the person’s political affiliation.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning,” Otti said, warning that Labour Party membership would not protect anyone involved in obstructing opposition campaigns.
Otti also addressed the issue of political victimisation, promising that his administration would not demolish individuals’ properties because of their political affiliations. He recalled the demolition of a fence belonging to one of his supporters during the previous administration and said such actions should not be repeated against political opponents or their supporters.
Beyond campaign conduct, the governor challenged opposition parties to focus on policy proposals and development plans rather than personal attacks. He argued that political debates in Abia should address broader development priorities, insisting that issues such as salaries, pensions, road construction and environmental sanitation should no longer dominate campaign discussions.
He also referred to assessments of the state’s performance by governance-monitoring organisations, urging opposition politicians to examine available data before making claims about his administration.
The governor expressed confidence in his administration’s record and urged Labour Party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state. He called on party members to reach out to residents in their communities and persuade them to support the party in the forthcoming elections.
The campaign flag-off featured the presentation of party flags to Labour Party candidates contesting seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly. Party members, candidates and supporters attended the event.
The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, also addressed the gathering, calling for a Labour Party-dominated legislature after the 2027 elections.
Otti’s remarks come as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the governor emphasising that political competition in Abia should take place within the law and without intimidation.
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