Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed that all political parties be granted access to public venues for campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election, provided they pay the approved fees.
The governor also instructed security agencies to promptly process requests from political parties seeking to hold campaign events and to ensure a level playing field across the state.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the Abia State Security Council.
Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi said the governor had made the security agencies’ responsibilities clearer by insisting that campaign approvals be granted without partisan discrimination.
According to him, any political party that properly applies to hold a campaign should receive approval.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, said the directive reflected the administration’s commitment to what he described as politics without bitterness.
He said parties would be free to use stadiums and other public facilities once the prescribed charges were paid.
Security agencies also said they were preparing for the election period following recent regional security consultations and police retreats.
Officials warned that any person or group attempting to disrupt public order would face enforcement action. The directive comes amid growing national debate over access to campaign venues and movement of opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 elections
