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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has warned politicians and supporters against resorting to violence during the build-up to the 2027 general elections, declaring that anyone who engages in political violence will not receive protection from the state government.
Otti issued the warning on Monday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 elections. He said his administration had created a peaceful environment for political activities and would ensure that all parties and candidates are given the opportunity to campaign without intimidation or harassment.
“If you get involved in political violence, you are on your own. We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” the governor said.
He disclosed that security agencies had been instructed to maintain a level playing field throughout the electoral period, stressing that candidates must be allowed to canvass for votes freely and peacefully.
The governor also charged members of the newly inaugurated council to regard their appointments as a responsibility to serve rather than an opportunity to exercise authority. He urged them to see themselves as “best among equals” and work collectively with party leaders, candidates, support groups and grassroots stakeholders.
Otti said the Labour Party’s success in 2027 would depend largely on the strength of its structures at the grassroots, directing campaign council members to return to their wards and local government areas and strengthen mobilisation from the polling-unit level.
He further instructed candidates contesting various positions to establish individual campaign councils that would complement the state campaign structure. According to him, such councils would enable candidates to take direct responsibility for mobilisation within their constituencies while operating in harmony with the official party structure.
The governor said the 2027 campaign should focus more on the achievements and programmes of his administration, as well as issues affecting residents, rather than relying solely on promises.
He explained that the political campaign ahead of the 2023 election was largely driven by expectations and promises, whereas the forthcoming campaign would provide an opportunity to present the administration’s record in office to the electorate.
Otti also warned members against being distracted by opposition propaganda, urging them to remain focused on communicating the administration’s policies, programmes and achievements to the people.
He announced that the State Campaign Council would work alongside a Campaign Advisory Council headed by former Abia Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu.
The governor said the combination of effective leadership, grassroots mobilisation and issue-based campaigning would strengthen the Labour Party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Responding on behalf of the council, its Director-General, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, pledged that members would deploy their experience and organisational capacity toward achieving the party’s electoral objectives.
Agwu described the assignment as a responsibility to the people of Abia, saying the campaign would focus on consolidating the achievements of the Otti administration rather than promoting individual interests.
The campaign council is chaired by Governor Otti, with Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, as Vice Chairman. Agwu serves as Director-General, while Dr Eric Egwuibe is Director of Finance, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili is Director of Strategy and Planning, Mr Kelechi Nwaiwu, SAN, is Director of Legal, and Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka is Director of Publicity.
Other members include Dr Christian Anokwuru, Director of Special Duties; AIG Arungwa Nwazue (Rtd.), Director of Security; Mrs Helen Ego Okorie, Director of Women Affairs; and Mr Chizaram Philip Akpulonu, Director of Youth Affairs.
The council also has zonal coordinators and state constituency coordinators covering Abia’s three senatorial districts and the various constituencies, with the governor directing the team to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
