Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned political actors against violence during the 2027 general elections, assuring that the state would maintain a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for political campaigns.
Otti gave the warning on Tuesday in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.
The governor said security agencies had been instructed to ensure that all political parties and candidates enjoyed equal opportunities to 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 also stressed the need for unity among the various groups supporting the Labour Party, including Abia Arise and campaign councils established by individual candidates.
He noted that political activities in Nigeria remained party-based because “Independent candidacy is not allowed in Nigeria yet,” urging the different groups to coordinate their efforts with the party leadership.
The governor advised candidates to work closely with their party leaders and other stakeholders to achieve their political objectives.
While inaugurating the campaign council, Otti described the appointment of its members as a responsibility to serve rather than an avenue for members to exercise superiority over others.
He urged them to collaborate with the party structure and grassroots stakeholders to secure victory for the Labour Party.
“Consider yourself as best among equals”, the governor said, stressing that the responsibility before them was to work collectively for the success of the party.
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Otti further directed members of the council to engage all groups within the party, noting that no individual or group could successfully manage the campaign independently.
According to him, the campaign leadership was not restricted to those present at the inauguration, as all members of the party had a role to play.
“The leadership for this campaign goes beyond people sitting here. Everybody is involved”.
He also asked the party’s candidates to establish their individual campaign councils to strengthen mobilisation and improve the party’s performance.
The governor said the state campaign council would coordinate the overall campaign, while candidates and grassroots structures would be responsible for mobilising support within their respective areas.
Otti said the Labour Party’s 2027 campaign would be different from that of 2023, explaining that the focus would shift from promises to issues, the government’s achievements and programmes capable of addressing the concerns of the people.
He cautioned members against being distracted by opposition propaganda and urged them to remain focused on communicating the party’s message to voters.
The governor disclosed that the campaign council would be supported by a Campaign Advisory Council, with former Abia State Deputy Governor, Ude Chukwu, expected to play a key role as chairman.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated council, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, assured the governor that members would work diligently to meet and surpass his expectations.
Agwu also pledged that the council would draw on its collective experience and commitment to deliver victory for the Labour Party.