Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute Labour Party members and other political supporters who attack opposition parties or disrupt their campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otti warned that belonging to the ruling party in Abia State would not shield anyone from arrest or prosecution for intimidating political opponents or obstructing their lawful activities.

The governor gave the directive during the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Umuahia, insisting that all political parties must be allowed to conduct their legitimate activities without interference.

“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” Otti declared.

“Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members.”

He stressed that nobody had his permission to attack political opponents, prevent campaign gatherings or obstruct lawful political activities across the state.

The governor also maintained that opposition parties must be allowed to use public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, provided they obtained the necessary approvals and paid the required fees.

Otti urged political parties to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to voters rather than resorting to intimidation and violence.

His warning comes amid concerns over reported attacks on opposition supporters in several states ahead of the 2027 elections.

On November 7, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State, leaving several participants injured and campaign vehicles damaged.

Similar incidents of alleged intimidation and disruption of political gatherings have also been reported in Benue, Kaduna, Enugu and other states.

Reaffirming his position, Otti insisted that political differences must not become an excuse for violence, stressing that opposition parties were entitled to campaign freely in Abia.

He urged Labour Party supporters to concentrate on mobilising voters and securing victory at the polls through legitimate means.