Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has warned against political intimidation and attacks on opposition parties, directing security agencies to arrest anyone attempting to disrupt lawful political activities in the state.
Otti said no individual or group had his permission to attack opposition parties or prevent their members from organising political activities, irrespective of their political affiliation.
The governor gave the warning on Monday while addressing his supporters, stressing that political differences should not be used as an excuse to intimidate opponents.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” he said.
He also directed security agencies to arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause disruptions, including members of the Labour Party.
“Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members,” Otti added.
Political violence concerns ahead of 2027 elections
The governor’s warning comes amid concerns over reported incidents of political intimidation, violence and disruptions targeting opposition supporters in different parts of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several states, including Delta, Benue, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kebbi and Ekiti, have featured in accounts of alleged attacks on political gatherings.
In Delta State, members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) were reportedly attacked by suspected hoodlums during a One Million Man March in Asaba on November 7, 2026. Several participants were said to have sustained injuries, while campaign vehicles were reportedly damaged.
In Benue State, the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was reportedly blocked by youths in Makurdi during a visit to Yelwata in September.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also reported an attack on its supporters during a solidarity walk in Kaduna State.
Enugu State has equally witnessed reported disruptions of opposition activities, including an incident involving an NDC ward meeting and a separate disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
Other states identified in the ADC’s account of alleged attacks and intimidation between July 2025 and September 2026 include Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun and Kogi.
Otti calls for political tolerance
Otti’s directive highlights the need to protect political freedom and ensure that registered political parties can organise rallies, meetings and other lawful activities without intimidation.
The governor maintained that political disagreements should not lead to attacks on opponents or prevent citizens from associating with parties of their choice.
His position also reinforces the importance of equal protection for political supporters and respect for democratic principles as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
