Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday flagged off the Labour Party’s 2027 campaign in Umuahia, the state capital, warning his supporters against obstructing opposition parties from carrying out legitimate political activities.
Otti said he had issued a public directive allowing opposition parties to use public facilities, including the stadium, provided they followed due process, obtained the necessary approvals and paid the required fees.
The governor warned that security agencies had been directed to arrest anyone who attempts to disrupt or prevent any political group from holding lawful activities in the state, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“I have since given a public directive, and I am repeating it here, that opposition parties should not be restricted from the use of public facilities, including the stadium, once they apply and obtain the necessary approvals,” Otti said.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning. Security agencies have been mandated to arrest and deal decisively with anyone who attempts to obstruct any political group from holding their legitimate activities, even if they are Labour Party members. I hope I am heard clearly,” he added.
The governor also advised political actors to focus their campaigns on issues rather than personal attacks, urging them to present their manifestos and programmes to the electorate.
According to Otti, Abia has moved beyond the era of campaigns centred on basic issues such as the payment of salaries and pensions, road construction and urban sanitation.
“Do not forget that in Abia we have gone past the era of campaigning on the payment of salaries and pensions, construction of roads or urban sanitation.
“The hygiene issues have been dealt with. If you are unable to raise your campaign pitch to the development realities of our state, you will definitely struggle to convince any informed voter,” he said.
Otti also cited Abia’s performance in governance and fiscal rankings, insisting that data from various institutions showed progress in the state.
“You should go and do your research first before coming out to open your mouth, because there are data everywhere to show what has been achieved. Evidently, the world knows that Abia is on the right track,” he said.
The governor thanked residents for their large turnout at the campaign flag-off and urged Labour Party supporters to take the campaign to communities across the state.
“This is your project, and as you return to the communities, knock on every door and remind our people that we still have a job to complete. Invite them to join the campaign so that together we can conclude the journey that began 12 years ago in faith and optimism,” Otti added.
