Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned Labour Party supporters against intimidating political opponents or obstructing their activities, insisting that all parties must enjoy equal political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti gave the warning on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while flagging off his re-election campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
He said opposition parties must be allowed to organise rallies and access government-owned facilities in accordance with established regulations, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The governor also ruled out the use of public authority to victimise political opponents or target their property over political differences.
His position follows a directive issued after a State Security Council meeting on September 25, 2026, when he instructed security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all parties.
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The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, also assured that political groups would have access to public venues upon meeting the relevant requirements.
The issue recalls a dispute in November 2022, when Otti, then the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, challenged restrictions surrounding his campaign team’s proposed use of Ngwa High School in Aba during the 2023 electioneering period under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Otti had earlier inaugurated the Labour Party’s 2027 Campaign Council on October 5 in Umuahia.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, urged the party to secure a majority in the next Assembly, arguing that stronger legislative representation would protect the governor’s position.
Sunday’s rally marks the beginning of the Labour Party’s statewide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.