Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on political actors to shun violence as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Otti spoke on Tuesday in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the forthcoming elections.
The governor said his administration had created an environment where political activities could take place peacefully and warned that acts of violence would not be allowed.
“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence.”
He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to provide equal protection for all political parties and candidates during their campaigns.
According to him, the arrangement would enable political parties to engage voters without threats, intimidation or violent confrontations.
Otti also asked members of the Labour Party campaign structure to cooperate with the party leadership, candidates and grassroots stakeholders, stressing that the campaign would require collective effort.
He said the 2027 electioneering campaign should move beyond promises and concentrate on the issues, programmes and achievements that are important to the electorate.
The governor equally cautioned campaign officials against allowing opposition propaganda to distract them from communicating the party’s message to voters.
Describing their appointments as a responsibility rather than a position of superiority, Otti told the campaign council members, “Consider yourself as best among equals”.
He further directed candidates to establish their individual campaign councils and work alongside the broader party structure.
Otti added that the campaign leadership would involve more people beyond those present at the inauguration, saying, “The leadership for this campaign goes beyond people sitting here. Everybody is involved”.
Responding on behalf of the council, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, pledged that members would combine their experience and commitment to deliver the expected results for the Labour Party.