By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Umuahia, Abia State —The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on both the government and opposition parties in Abia State to exercise restraint in their political communications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a detailed statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, the organization expressed concern that recent public remarks by Governor Alex Otti and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, could heighten political tension if left unchecked.
Governor Otti, during a live session, had warned that anyone “planning to write election results” in 2027 should “prepare their will,” describing it as a warning against electoral malpractice. On his part, Deputy Speaker Kalu told supporters in Umuahia that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “take over Abia State in 2027” through the votes of the people and not by force, while criticizing the current administration’s handling of state resources.
FENRAD, while acknowledging the democratic right to critique government performance, said both remarks could easily be misinterpreted as inflammatory or intimidating if not properly contextualized.
“Even if metaphorical, statements like ‘prepare your will’ or ‘we will take over’ can raise anxieties and polarize the electorate,” the group stated.
“The upcoming election cycle must be built on credible electoral administration, impartial security agencies, transparent result management, and civic oversight,” FENRAD added.
Safeguarding Abia’s Democracy
The rights organization urged all political actors to promote tolerance and focus on issues rather than personality-driven politics. It called for a pre-election civic compact among key stakeholders to agree on non-intimidation, transparency, and responsible public speech.
FENRAD also announced plans to:
- Deploy independent observers to monitor campaign rhetoric and rallies.
- Launch a voter education drive on citizens’ rights and legal remedies against intimidation.
- Support hotlines and mobile platforms for reporting threats or result manipulation.
- Collaborate with media outlets to enhance fact-checking and ensure accountability.
The group emphasized that democracy thrives on open debate, not fear, urging both Governor Otti and Deputy Speaker Kalu to “tone down their language and channel their influence toward constructive engagement.”
“The people of Abia State deserve peaceful, inclusive, and democratic elections, not the heightening of tensions through inflammatory rhetoric,” said Nwafor.
“We call on Governor Otti, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, all party leaders, security agencies, and the electorate to choose dialogue over threats, accountability over intimidation, and participation over apathy.”
FENRAD reaffirmed its readiness to partner with INEC, civil society, and security agencies to ensure a credible 2027 election in Abia.
Full Text of FENRAD’s Statement
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2025
Umuahia/ Abia State
FENRAD Calls for Caution, Respectful Public Discourse & Institutional Safeguards in Abia State ahead of 2027 Elections
Following Statements by Governor Otti and Deputy Speaker Kalu
Umuahia, Abia State – The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) is issuing this press statement in response to recent public remarks by the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of the House of Representatives. We are calling for restraint, respect for democratic norms, and institutional safeguards to ensure that the forthcoming 2027 electoral cycle in Abia remains free, fair, inclusive and peaceful.
Context of the Remarks
- In a live session, Governor Alex Otti warned that persons “planning to write election results” in the upcoming 2027 Abia gubernatorial election should “prepare their will” rather than expect to manipulate outcomes. He framed this as a caution against undemocratic practices in the state.
- Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu addressed a large gathering of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umuahia, declaring that the APC will “take over Abia State in 2027” through the people’s vote and not by force.
He explicitly stated:
“We are not going to take over this state by force… we are going to use the vote of the masses.”
He also criticized the performance of the current Abia government, suggesting that despite large funds, the outcomes did not match previous administrations.
- These remarks — on both sides of the political divide — raise concerns about escalating rhetoric, potential intimidation, and risks to the democratic environment in Abia State.
FENRAD’s Position & Concerns
Democracy thrives on open competition, respect for dissent, and adherence to rule-based processes. The right of opposition parties and interest groups to critique government performance is fundamental.
Rhetoric from both government and opposition must not intimidate or marginalize political opponents, civil society actors, the media, or ordinary citizens. Even if metaphorical, statements like “prepare your will” or “we will take over” can raise anxieties and polarize the electorate.
Institutional integrity matters. The upcoming election cycle must be undergirded by credible electoral administration (by INEC), impartial security agencies, transparent result-management, and robust civic oversight. References to result-writing, even in the abstract, should prompt safeguards rather than escalation.
Financial accountability and performance are relevant, but must be raised responsibly. Deputy Speaker Kalu’s criticism of state performance is within democratic norms; however framing this as a call to “take over” raises the risk of conflating policy critique with pure power grab rhetoric.
Stakeholder Roles:
- The Governor and his administration to moderate language, engage critics constructively rather than threaten or dismiss them, and focus on tangible service delivery.
- The opposition and leaders such as Benjamin Kalu to ensure that their messaging emphasises democratic competition, not domination, and respects the rights of all political actors.
- Security and election agencies to monitor public discourse, ensure no intimidation or unlawful coercion emerges, and to enforce electoral laws impartially.
- Media and civil society to scrutinise public statements, foster civic education, and ensure voters are informed about their rights, registration processes, and how results should be handled.
FENRAD’s Calls to Action
- Immediate dialogue: Convene a “pre-election civic compact” to agree on respectful conduct, electoral transparency, and non-intimidation.
- Public monitoring: FENRAD will deploy observers of political rallies, statements, and campaigns.
- Voter education campaign: Launch a statewide initiative reminding citizens of their right to vote and resist intimidation.
- Complaint mechanisms: Support hotlines and mobile reporting platforms to log and respond to alleged threats or manipulation.
- Media engagement: Encourage fact-checking of high-profile statements and promote accountability.
Conclusion
The people of Abia State deserve peaceful, inclusive and democratic elections, not heightening of tensions through inflammatory rhetoric. FENRAD stands ready to partner with all stakeholders for a credible 2027 election.
We call on Governor Otti, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, all party leaders, security agencies and the electorate to choose dialogue over threats, accountability over intimidation, participation over apathy.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) Nigeria
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +234-08033383708, 07062949232
Source: Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
Published by: Newspot Nigeria
