Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned against violence during the 2027 electioneering campaign, saying his administration will not allow acts capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of political activities in the state.

Otti gave the warning on Tuesday in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

The governor said Abia had provided a peaceful and open environment for political activities and would continue to protect the space for lawful campaigning.

“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” Otti said.

He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to ensure a level playing field for all political campaigns, allowing the Labour Party, other political parties and their candidates to campaign without intimidation or violence.

Otti also stressed the importance of working through established political party structures, noting that independent candidacy was not yet permitted under Nigeria’s electoral system.

He therefore urged groups supporting the Labour Party, including Abia Arise and various campaign councils established by individual candidates, to coordinate their activities and work together.

The governor advised candidates to cooperate with their respective party leaders and other stakeholders in pursuing their political objectives.

While inaugurating the campaign council, Otti described the appointment of its members as a call to service rather than an opportunity for anyone to assume superiority over others.

He urged members to work with the party’s structures and grassroots stakeholders, describing them as “best among equals” and stressing that the campaign could only succeed through collective effort.

“Consider yourself as best among equals,” the governor said.

Otti further directed the council to maintain cooperation with the various groups within the party, noting that no individual or group could successfully prosecute the campaign independently.

He said the leadership of the campaign extended beyond those present at the inauguration, adding, “The leadership for this campaign goes beyond people sitting here. Everybody is involved.”

The governor also urged candidates to establish their own campaign councils to strengthen coordination and grassroots mobilisation.

He said the state campaign council would provide overall coordination, while candidates and grassroots structures would be responsible for mobilising support within their respective areas.

On the campaign message for 2027, Otti said the focus should shift from the promises that largely characterised the 2023 campaign to issues, achievements and programmes that directly affect the people.

He cautioned members against being distracted by propaganda from political opponents, urging them to remain focused on issues and effectively communicate the party’s message to voters.

Otti also disclosed plans to constitute a Campaign Advisory Council to complement the campaign council, with former Abia Deputy Governor Ude Chukwu expected to play a key role as chairman.

Responding on behalf of the campaign council, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, assured the governor that members would work diligently to meet and exceed his expectations.

Agwu pledged that the council would deploy its collective experience and commitment towards securing victory for the Labour Party in the 2027 elections.