Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered security agencies to arrest Labour Party members and other political supporters who attack opposition parties or disrupt their campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti warned that membership of the ruling party in Abia would not protect anyone from arrest or prosecution for intimidating political opponents.
The governor issued the warning during the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Umuahia, insisting that every political party must be allowed to conduct its legitimate activities without interference.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” Otti declared.
“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 permission to attack political opponents, prevent campaign gatherings or obstruct lawful political activities in the state.
He also maintained that opposition parties must be allowed to use public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, provided they obtained the necessary approvals and paid the required fees.
Otti urged political parties to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to voters rather than engaging in intimidation and violence.
His warning comes amid concerns over reported attacks on opposition supporters in several states ahead of the 2027 elections.
On November 7, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State, leaving several participants injured and campaign vehicles damaged.
Similar incidents of alleged intimidation and disruption of political gatherings have been reported in Benue, Kaduna, Enugu and other states.
Otti maintained that political differences should not become an excuse for violence, insisting that opposition parties were entitled to campaign freely in Abia.
The governor urged supporters of the Labour Party to concentrate on mobilising voters and securing victory at the polls through legitimate means.
