The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, intimidation, inflammatory statements and destruction of property ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Afolabi gave the warning in Umuahia during the signing of a peace accord involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties, urging stakeholders to conduct their political activities peacefully.
He advised political parties to notify the police in writing before organising rallies, processions and other political events to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements.
The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia, was attended by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia State, Prof. Sylvia Agu, heads of security agencies, governorship candidates and representatives of registered political parties and campaign teams.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing professional and impartial security for all candidates, political parties and their supporters, irrespective of political affiliation.
He said the command had strengthened its security operations through improved intelligence gathering and analysis, crime mapping, the revitalisation of its Cybercrime Unit and enhanced operational response mechanisms.
Afolabi also acknowledged Governor Alex Otti’s directive on providing adequate security for political campaigns and related activities, pledging continued cooperation with INEC, other security agencies and political stakeholders to protect lives and property.
Speaking at the event, Agu said INEC would remain neutral in the 2027 Abia governorship election and provide a level playing field for all candidates.
“We are not working for any particular party; we are working for all of you here. We are going to deliver on our mandate, but we are asking you to conduct yourselves properly,” she said.
The REC urged candidates to maintain peace before, during and after the election, adding that those dissatisfied with the outcome should seek redress through the judiciary rather than resort to violence or discredit the electoral process.
She noted that electoral contests would inevitably produce winners and losers, urging candidates to demonstrate sportsmanship and accept the outcome of a free, fair and credible election.
“In any contest, there must be a winner and a loser. If you win, we thank God and rejoice with you. If you lose, you can try again next time,” Agu said.
The peace accord was preceded by a review of relevant electoral laws by the police command’s legal officer. The document was subsequently read to the stakeholders before representatives of political parties signed individually, committing themselves to peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
The exercise was aimed at preventing electoral violence and promoting a peaceful atmosphere for the 2027 polls.
