Otti Tasks Security Agencies on 2027 Polls, Demands Level Playing Field

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

Governor Otti gave the directive during the monthly State Security Council meeting, where the security situation across the state was reviewed, with a view to sustaining and improving on the gains recorded in maintaining peace and security.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, assured that security agencies were prepared to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections in 2027.

CP Afolabi said the meeting, chaired by the governor, provided an opportunity to deliberate on security arrangements for the forthcoming elections.

He said Governor Otti had given clear instructions that all political parties should be given equal opportunity to operate, adding that approval should be granted to parties that applied to hold campaign activities in the state, subject to existing regulations.

“We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. 

“A lot of matters were discussed, some centered 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”.

On the preparedness of the security agencies, the Police Commissioner said the outcome of a recent three-day regional police retreat in Imo State had further strengthened their readiness for the 2027 electioneering period.

He said the retreat, chaired by the Inspector-General of Police and attended by governors, senior police officers and other stakeholders, focused on measures to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections.

CP Afolabi also acknowledged the support of the Abia State Government, saying the collaboration would contribute to ensuring a peaceful electioneering process in the state.

Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, Retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, said the governor’s directives had made it easier for security agencies to perform their responsibilities, provided political parties complied with established regulations and paid approved fees for the use of stadiums and other public facilities.

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

“He (Gov Otti) 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 (political parties) 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”, Ubah stated.

He, however, warned that individuals who attempted to disrupt public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Ubah said security agencies would not tolerate acts capable of undermining public order, stressing that all political activities must be conducted within the confines of the law.

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