Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed security agencies in the state to provide a level playing field for all political parties to lawfully conduct their activities and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti gave the directive during the monthly State Security Council Meeting, where security developments across the state were reviewed, with particular attention to maintaining the gains recorded in securing Abia.
The directive was disclosed on Friday, September 25, 2026, by the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), during a briefing with journalists after the meeting.
According to Afolabi, the Governor made his position on political activities clear, directing security agencies to ensure that every political party is allowed to operate within the law.
“He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all,” the Commissioner said.
Afolabi added that Otti had specifically directed that political parties seeking approval to hold campaigns should be granted “express approval”, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
He said security agencies were fully prepared for the 2027 electioneering period following a three-day Regional Police Retreat held recently in Imo State and chaired by the Inspector-General of Police, with the participation of governors, senior police officers and other stakeholders.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander Ubah, similarly said Otti had directed that political parties should be allowed to conduct their campaigns without hindrance, provided they comply with approved requirements.
“Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said—politics without bitterness,” Ubah said.
He explained that parties would be free to use public facilities for campaigns after paying the approved fees, stressing that the arrangement was intended to ensure equal treatment across party lines.
“With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse,” Ubah said.
He, however, warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt public peace or deliberately violate the law would face the consequences.
“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.
The Governor’s directive comes against the backdrop of his own experience in politics, having previously survived an assassination attempt during his political journey, an attack in which two police officers attached to him were killed.
The Abia State Government said the State Security Council would continue to review security developments as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
