Otti tasks security agencies on 2027 elections

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has tasked security agencies in the state with ensuring a level playing field for all political parties to lawfully conduct their political activities and campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

Otti gave the directive during the monthly State Security Council meeting held in his office.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, 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), assured that security agencies were prepared to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.

Afolabi said the governor had directed security agencies to ensure that all political parties were given equal opportunity to conduct their campaigns.

“We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centred on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier.

“He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. By that, he has made our work less cumbersome,” the CP said.

He assured that security agencies in the state were prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.

Also speaking, Ubah said the governor had directed that political parties should not be hindered from conducting their campaigns, provided they complied with approved requirements for the use of public facilities.

“Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has said. He is for politics without bitterness.

“He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse,” he said.

Ubah, however, warned that any act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“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.