Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared that opposition political parties are free to campaign anywhere in the state, provided they comply with the necessary requirements for venue usage.
Speaking on political activities in the state, Otti said his administration welcomes healthy competition and has no intention of frustrating opposition parties seeking to engage with voters.
“We welcome competition from opposition in Abia State. Any opposition party is free to apply for any location they want in Abia State for campaign, as long as they pay the required fee. Once you pay, I will make the venue available for you,” the governor stated.
According to him, the people of Abia State will ultimately decide which candidates and parties deserve their support, stressing that democracy thrives when all political actors are allowed to operate freely.
Otti also criticized practices where political parties secure venues for events only to be denied access later, describing such actions as signs of insecurity and panic.
“The days of panic are gone. Sometimes you pay for a venue and you are later prevented from using it, that is panic. If you know what you are doing, you should not be panicking,” he added.
