The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, intimidation, inflammatory statements and property destruction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its neutrality in the 2027 Abia governorship election, promising all candidates a level playing field.
Afolabi gave the warning during the signing of a peace accord involving INEC, security agencies and political parties in Umuahia. He urged political parties to notify the police in writing before organising rallies, processions and other political activities to allow officers to make adequate security arrangements.
The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia, attracted INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia, Prof. Sylvia Agu, heads of security agencies, representatives of registered political parties and campaign teams.
The police commissioner assured candidates and their supporters that the command would provide professional, impartial and adequate security, regardless of political affiliation.
He said the command had strengthened its security operations through improved intelligence gathering and analysis, crime mapping, the revamp of its Cybercrime Unit and better operational response systems.
Afolabi also acknowledged Governor Alex Otti’s directive on providing adequate security for political campaigns and related activities. He pledged continued cooperation with INEC, other security agencies and political stakeholders to protect lives and property and ensure peaceful elections.
Following a review of relevant electoral laws by the police command’s legal officer, officials read the peace accord to the stakeholders. Representatives of political parties then signed the document individually, pledging to pursue their political ambitions peacefully.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Agu said INEC would treat all candidates equally, regardless of their political parties. She urged them to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
“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 advised candidates to accept the outcome of a free, fair and credible election. She urged those dissatisfied with the results to seek redress through the courts rather than resort to violence or undermine the electoral process.
Agu noted that every contest produces winners and losers, urging candidates to show sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
“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,” she said.
She added that the 2027 Abia election peace accord was intended to prevent violence by committing signatories to peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
The meeting brought together governorship candidates, INEC officials, police representatives and other security agencies to promote a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the polls.
