2027: Anyone Attacking Opposition Parties Will Be Arrested And Dealt With Decisively – Gov. Otti Warns
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning against political intimidation and attacks on opposition parties, directing security agencies to arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt lawful political activities in the state.
The governor stressed that no individual or group had his authorisation to attack opposition parties or prevent their members from exercising their political rights, irrespective of their affiliation.
Otti gave the warning on Monday while addressing his supporters, making it clear that political differences must not be used as an excuse to intimidate opponents or interfere with their lawful activities.
“You have no mandate from me to attack opposition parties who are doing their respective political activities.
“Security agencies should arrest and deal decisively with anyone attempting to cause such disruptions, including Labour Party members.”
The governor’s position comes amid growing concerns over alleged political violence, intimidation and disruptions targeting opposition supporters in different parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports Of Political Attacks Across States
Several states have recently witnessed reported incidents of violence and disruption involving opposition political parties.
The states include Delta, Benue, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kebbi and Ekiti.
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. The incident allegedly left several participants injured, while campaign vehicles were damaged.
In Benue State, the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was reportedly blocked by youths in Makurdi during his visit to Yelwata in September.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also reported an attack on its supporters during a solidarity walk in Kaduna State.
Enugu State has equally recorded reported disruptions of opposition political activities, including an incident involving an NDC ward meeting and a separate disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
Other states mentioned in the ADC’s account of alleged attacks and intimidation between July 2025 and September 2026 include Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun and Kogi.
Otti Calls For Political Tolerance
Otti’s warning underscores the importance of political tolerance and the protection of democratic freedoms as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor maintained that supporters of all political parties must be allowed to organise rallies, meetings and other lawful activities without fear of intimidation or violence.
His position also reinforces the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate with political parties of their choice, regardless of their political differences.
The governor’s message is clear: no political affiliation gives anyone the right to attack opponents, disrupt peaceful gatherings or deny other citizens their democratic freedoms.
