The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has cautioned political parties and their supporters against violence, intimidation, inflammatory remarks and the destruction of property ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its neutrality in the 2027 Abia governorship election, assuring all candidates of a level playing field.
Afolabi gave the warning during the signing of a peace accord involving INEC, security agencies and political parties in Umuahia. He urged political parties to submit written notifications to the police before organising rallies, processions and other political activities to allow adequate security preparations.
The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia, was attended by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia, Prof. Sylvia Agu, heads of other security agencies, representatives of registered political parties and campaign teams.
The police commissioner assured stakeholders that the command would provide professional, impartial and adequate security for all candidates, parties and their supporters, regardless of their political affiliations.
He explained that the command had reinforced its security operations through intelligence gathering and analysis, crime mapping, the rehabilitation of its Cybercrime Unit and improved operational response strategies.
Afolabi also acknowledged Governor Alex Otti’s directive on ensuring adequate security for political campaigns and related activities.
He further pledged to sustain cooperation with INEC, other security agencies and political stakeholders to protect lives and property and maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
The peace accord was preceded by a review of relevant electoral laws by the command’s legal officer. The document was subsequently read to the participants, after which representatives of the political parties signed individually, pledging to pursue their political ambitions peacefully.
Speaking at the event, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Agu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to treating all candidates equally, irrespective of their political affiliations. She also urged political actors to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
“We are not working for any particular party; we are working for all of you here. We are going to deliver on our mandate, but we are asking you to conduct yourselves properly,” she said.
Agu called on candidates to accept the results of a free, fair and credible election, advising those dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress through the judiciary instead of resorting to violence or discrediting the electoral process.
She noted that every electoral contest produces winners and losers, urging candidates to exhibit sportsmanship and respect the outcome, regardless of the results.
“In any contest, there must be a winner and a loser. If you win, we thank God and rejoice with you. If you lose, you can try again next time,” Agu said.
She added that the peace accord was intended to curb violence and prevent conflicts by securing the commitment of all signatories to peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
The ceremony brought together governorship candidates, INEC officials, police representatives and other security agencies, with stakeholders emphasising the need for a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the 2027 polls.
