Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned political actors against violence as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, assuring that the state would maintain a peaceful and open environment for political activities.

Otti gave the warning on Tuesday in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.

The Governor said security agencies had been directed to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, ensuring that campaigns could be conducted freely without intimidation or violence.

“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” Otti said.

He explained that political campaigns in Nigeria were organised around political parties, noting that independent candidacy was not yet permitted in the country.

The Governor therefore urged the various Labour Party support groups, including Abia Arise and campaign councils established by individual candidates, to work together with the party’s leadership and other stakeholders.

While inaugurating the campaign council, Otti described the appointments as a call to service rather than an opportunity for members to place themselves above others.

He charged members to work closely with the party structures and grassroots stakeholders, stressing the need for collective effort in achieving the party’s objectives.

“Consider yourself as best among equals,” the Governor told members of the council, emphasising that the task ahead required cooperation rather than individual efforts.

Otti said the campaign leadership extended beyond those physically present at the inauguration, noting that every member of the party had a role to play.

“The leadership for this campaign goes beyond people sitting here. Everybody is involved,” he said.

The Governor also directed candidates to establish their own campaign councils, explaining that such structures would strengthen coordination and grassroots mobilisation.

He said the state campaign council would provide overall coordination, while individual candidates and grassroots structures would be responsible for mobilising support within their respective areas.

Otti further stated that the 2027 campaign would be different from the 2023 exercise, which he said was largely centred on promises.

According to him, the forthcoming campaign would focus more on issues, government achievements and programmes that directly affect the people.

He advised campaign members to remain focused on these issues and avoid distractions from opponents through propaganda, while ensuring that the party’s message was clearly communicated to voters.

The Governor also disclosed that the campaign council would be supported by a Campaign Advisory Council, which would include former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Chukwu, as chairman.

Responding on behalf of the campaign council members, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, assured the Governor that the council would work diligently to meet and exceed his expectations.

Agwu pledged that members would deploy their collective experience, commitment and resources towards securing victory for the Labour Party in the 2027 elections.