By Deborah Nnamdi
The Abia State Government has raised concerns over an alleged plan by political actors to incite violence in Aba in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Alex Otti said intelligence reports suggest that certain individuals are plotting to sponsor miscreants from Aba and neighbouring states to stage a protest.
According to the government, the protest—allegedly themed “Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop”—is intended to promote what it described as a false narrative that projects executed by the state government were funded by the Federal Government.
The statement further alleged that opposition elements are driving the narrative and escalating it into a potentially violent demonstration aimed at triggering a confrontation between hired agitators and the state’s enforcement task force in Aba.
The government warned that such a clash could lead to casualties, reprisals, and a breakdown of law and order, with the ultimate goal of destabilising the state.
It reiterated that the Federal Government had already halted reimbursements for such projects, dismissing claims of federal funding as misleading.
While affirming its respect for dissent as a fundamental democratic right, the state government cautioned that it would take firm action against any individual or group attempting to endanger lives under the guise of political opposition.
“The government has no issue with disagreement over its policies and programmes, but it will come hard on anyone who seeks to plunge the state into violence,” the statement said.
The government also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against participating in politically motivated protests, warning that such actions could have serious consequences.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring a conducive political environment where all actors can pursue their ambitions freely without fear or intimidation.
