Abia 2027: Governor Otti announces unhindered campaign activities for all political parties

……….Charges Security Agents to ensure Level Playing ground.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

In Abia State, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, has charged security agencies in the State to ensure that all political parties are given the opportunity to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns.

Governor Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council Meeting at his country home in Nvosi.

Having once been a victim of an assassination attempt that claimed the lives of two police officers attached to him during his political journey to serve the state, the governor.may be saving lives and discouraging violence.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the duo assured of readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.

According to CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centered on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier. 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.

On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Police Commissioner disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State and chaired by the Inspector-General of Police with governors in attendance, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.

For his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), said: “Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said – politics without bitterness.

“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. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse,” he said.

Ubah warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“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 said.

Hopefully, the security operatives will work in accordance with the governor’s directive to avoid escalating issues during tensed moments.