Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has warned that anyone involved in attacking opposition parties or disrupting their lawful political activities in the state will be arrested and dealt with decisively ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor issued the warning on Monday while addressing supporters, distancing himself from any form of political intimidation and violence targeted at opposition parties.

Otti stressed that nobody or group had his approval to prevent opposition members from exercising their political rights, insisting that all political parties must be allowed to conduct their activities peacefully.

He specifically cautioned members of the Labour Party against taking part in attacks on rival political groups, making it clear that his directive covered individuals across all political affiliations.

“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 declared.

His warning comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns mounting over alleged cases of political intimidation, harassment and violence in different parts of the country.

States including Delta, Benue, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kebbi and Ekiti have also featured in reports of incidents raising questions about the safety of political actors and the freedom of opposition parties to operate.

Otti's position reinforces the importance of political tolerance, peaceful competition and respect for democratic rights, as the country approaches another election cycle.

He maintained that political disagreements should not translate into violence, stressing that no political affiliation would provide protection for anyone who engages in unlawful attacks or disrupts the legitimate activities of other parties.