Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed security agencies in the state to ensure a level playing field for all political parties seeking to conduct lawful political activities and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti gave the directive during the monthly State Security Council meeting held at his office, where security and political preparations for the forthcoming elections were among the issues discussed.
The governor, according to security officials who briefed journalists after the meeting, instructed security agencies to ensure that no political party is prevented from carrying out legitimate campaign activities in the state.
Briefing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, said the governor had given clear instructions on how security agencies should handle political activities ahead of the elections.
“We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centred on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier,” the police commissioner said.
According to Afolabi, Governor Otti specifically directed the security agencies to provide equal opportunities for political parties operating within the framework of the law.
“He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. By that, he has made our work less cumbersome,” he said.
The police commissioner assured that the security agencies were prepared to ensure that political campaigns and the 2027 elections were conducted without rancour or disruption.
He said the command would work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to maintain public order while allowing political parties to exercise their lawful rights.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), said the governor’s position was to promote politics without bitterness in the state.
“Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has said. He is for politics without bitterness,” Ubah said.
He explained that political parties would be allowed to conduct their campaigns without hindrance, provided they complied with the relevant requirements for the use of public facilities.
“He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns,” he said.
The security adviser said the administration expected political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully, adding that the provision of equal access should remove any justification for deliberately disrupting political activities.
“With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse,” Ubah added.
Security Agencies Warn Against Violence
While assuring political parties of the state’s commitment to facilitating lawful campaigns, Ubah warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace.
He said security agencies would respond to violations of the law regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.
“The law has a long arm. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The State will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law,” he warned.
The governor’s directive comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants expected to begin preparations for campaigns and other electoral activities.
The Abia State Government’s position, as communicated through the security officials, is that political parties should be allowed to compete and campaign freely, provided their activities remain within the bounds of the law.
The security agencies are therefore expected to balance the protection of political freedoms with the responsibility of maintaining public order throughout the electoral period.
