Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed security agencies to arrest and deal decisively with anyone who attacks opposition parties or disrupts their lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti issued the warning on Monday, stressing that neither individuals nor groups had his authorisation to intimidate political opponents, including members of the Labour Party.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities,” the governor said.
He added: “Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members.”
The governor’s warning comes amid reports of attacks on opposition supporters and disruptions of political gatherings in several states.
In Delta State, members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) were reportedly attacked by suspected hoodlums during a One Million Man March in Asaba on November 7, 2026. Several participants were injured, while campaign vehicles were damaged.
In Benue State, youths reportedly blocked the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi during a visit to Yelwata in September.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also reported attacks on its supporters during a solidarity walk in Kaduna State.
Other reported incidents involving opposition gatherings have been recorded in Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kebbi and Ekiti states.
The ADC has cited alleged attacks and intimidation in several of those states between July 2025 and September 2026.
Otti maintained that political affiliation should not determine whether citizens can freely participate in lawful political activities. His directive also applies to members of his own party if they attempt to disrupt opposition gatherings.
