Governor Orders Arrest Of his Party Members Attacking Opposition, Disrupting Campaigns
Governor Orders Arrest Of his Party Members Attacking Opposition, Disrupting Campaigns
Addressing party supporters at the event, Otti made it clear that nobody had his authorisation to attack opposition parties or prevent them from exercising their democratic rights.
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute members of the ruling Labour Party (LP) and other political supporters found attacking opposition parties, intimidating their members or disrupting lawful campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti warned that political affiliation or membership of the ruling party in the state would not shield anyone from arrest or prosecution for engaging in political violence.
The governor gave the directive during the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Umuahia, where he insisted that all political parties must be allowed to carry out their legitimate activities without intimidation, harassment or interference.
Addressing party supporters at the event, Otti made it clear that nobody had his authorisation to attack opposition parties or prevent them from exercising their democratic rights.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” Otti declared.
“Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members.”
The governor stressed that the directive applied to everyone, including members and supporters of his own political party, warning that nobody should take the law into their hands under the guise of political mobilisation.
He maintained that no individual or group had his permission to attack political opponents, disrupt campaign gatherings or obstruct lawful political activities anywhere in Abia State.
Otti also insisted that opposition parties must be allowed to access public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, for their political programmes, provided they obtained the necessary approvals and paid the stipulated fees.
According to the governor, democratic competition should be based on ideas, policies and the ability of political parties to convince voters rather than intimidation, harassment and violence.
He urged Labour Party members and supporters to concentrate on mobilising voters, explaining the party’s achievements and presenting their programmes to the electorate instead of attacking political opponents.
The governor’s warning comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks, intimidation and disruptions of opposition political activities in different parts of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On November 7, 2026, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked members and supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State, leaving several participants injured and campaign vehicles damaged.
Among those reportedly attacked was the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Hon. Emerure Favour, who was alleged to have been stabbed with daggers during the incident.
The attack reportedly disrupted the political gathering, with participants fleeing for safety as the suspected assailants allegedly unleashed violence on supporters.
Similar allegations of intimidation and disruption of political gatherings have also emerged from Benue, Kaduna, Enugu and other states, raising concerns about the safety of political parties and their supporters as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Otti, however, maintained that political differences must not be allowed to degenerate into violence, stressing that opposition parties have constitutional rights to organise meetings, mobilise supporters and campaign freely in Abia State.
His directive also places responsibility on security agencies to ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and that anyone found violating the law, regardless of party affiliation, is held accountable.
The governor urged Labour Party supporters to demonstrate political maturity, respect democratic principles and work towards electoral victory through legitimate means rather than intimidation or attacks on opponents.
