UMUAHIA: Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed security agencies to arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the lawful political activities of opposition parties in the state, including members of his own Labour Party.
The governor’s position reinforces his call for political tolerance and an environment where all registered political parties can organise meetings, hold campaigns and engage with voters without intimidation or obstruction.
Otti made the directive while addressing political supporters during activities connected to the 2027 general election campaign in Abia State.
He warned that nobody should interpret political support for his administration or party as permission to attack opponents or prevent other political groups from exercising their democratic rights.
According to him, security agencies have been instructed to take action against anyone who attempts to obstruct legitimate political activities, irrespective of party affiliation.
The governor made it clear that even Labour Party members would not be exempted from the directive if they attempted to disrupt the activities of other political parties.
Otti reportedly cautioned his supporters against taking the law into their hands or engaging in actions capable of undermining the political rights of other Nigerians.
He stressed that no individual or group had his authorisation to attack opposition members or prevent them from carrying out lawful political activities.
The governor also maintained that opposition parties should be allowed to use public facilities, including government-owned venues, provided they obtain the necessary approvals and fulfil the applicable requirements.
His position places emphasis on the principle that public facilities and democratic opportunities should not be reserved exclusively for the party controlling government.
The directive is particularly significant as political parties and aspirants begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, a period often marked by heightened political competition and disagreements.
The development comes amid wider concerns about alleged political intimidation, attacks and disruptions involving opposition supporters in different parts of Nigeria.
While allegations of political interference and intimidation have continued to feature in national political discussions, Otti has publicly stated that such conduct should not be tolerated in Abia.
His directive seeks to ensure that political parties can present their candidates, communicate their manifestos and engage voters without being subjected to threats or unlawful interference.
The governor has also urged political actors to focus on issues affecting citizens rather than resorting to personal attacks and political hostility.
Otti’s position places responsibility on security agencies to protect the lawful activities of political parties across the state.
It also highlights the responsibility of political leaders to restrain their supporters and ensure that disagreements are addressed through democratic engagement rather than intimidation or violence.
For opposition parties, the ability to organise freely is an important part of democratic participation. Equally, the ruling party and its supporters retain the right to campaign and promote their political positions within the law.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the implementation of the governor’s directive will be important in determining whether political parties can operate in Abia without unlawful disruption.
The broader issue is not simply whether political parties can hold rallies, but whether citizens and political groups can exercise their constitutional freedoms without fear of intimidation, regardless of which party they support.
