The Director of the Abia State Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council for Abia North, Chief Emeka Kalu, has condemned the reported attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ekiti State, calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
Kalu, who spoke in an interview, said political disagreements must not translate into intimidation or physical attacks against opposition figures and other citizens exercising their democratic rights.
He urged security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible, including alleged sponsors, is held accountable.
The Labour Party chieftain also called on political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and violent conduct, stressing that democratic participation must be protected irrespective of party affiliation.
His comments come as Governor Alex Otti’s Labour Party campaign council intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
Otti formally flagged off his re-election campaign on November 1 in Umuahia, where he urged political parties to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and warned his supporters against obstructing opposition activities.
The governor also directed security agencies to act against anyone attempting to prevent political groups from conducting legitimate campaign activities.
Kalu, who coordinates the Labour Party’s governorship campaign in Abia North, said the 2027 election should be determined by policy ideas, leadership capacity, character and measurable commitments rather than political loyalty.
He identified security, electricity-sector reform and national unity as critical issues presidential aspirants must address, alongside the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
According to him, all presidential contenders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu, should be subjected to equal public scrutiny.
He maintained that Nigerians deserved practical proposals capable of addressing the country’s challenges, adding that political ambition should not undermine democratic institutions or cost innocent lives.
Kalu further said the Labour Party’s campaign in Abia North would focus on grassroots consultations, town hall meetings, voter education and polling-unit organisation across Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.
He said the campaign would also communicate the Otti administration’s record while listening to residents’ concerns and encouraging peaceful participation in the electoral process.
(The Whistler)
