Abia Police Commissioner Warns Political Parties Against Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has issued a stern warning to political parties and their supporters, cautioning them against violence, intimidation, inflammatory statements, and the destruction of property ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The warning was delivered during a peace accord signing ceremony held at the Police Officers Mess in Umuahia, bringing together security heads, electoral officials, and representatives of registered political parties.

Addressing the stakeholders, CP Afolabi urged all political organizations to formally notify the police in writing prior to conducting public rallies, processions, or other campaign activities. He explained that advance notification is necessary to ensure proper security planning and to prevent potential clashes between rival groups. The police chief reaffirmed the command's commitment to maintaining neutrality and providing adequate, professional protection for all candidates and supporters regardless of party affiliations.

Afolabi noted that the police command has upgraded its security infrastructure through enhanced intelligence gathering, comprehensive crime mapping, and improvements to its Cybercrime Unit and operational response systems. He also acknowledged the directive from Abia State Governor Alex Otti regarding the provision of a secure environment for peaceful political campaigns across the state.

During the same event, the Independent National Electoral Commission assured contestants of its impartiality throughout the electoral cycle. Prof. Sylvia Agu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia State, stated that the commission remains neutral and dedicated to providing a level playing field for every participant in the 2027 governorship and other elections.

Prof. Agu appealed to political candidates and their followers to conduct themselves responsibly and to demonstrate sportsmanship, reminding them that political contests inevitably produce both winners and losers. She advised any candidate dissatisfied with election outcomes to pursue legal redress through the judiciary rather than resorting to violence or attempting to undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

Source reporting: Vanguard — 2026-10-29 12:03:43