The African Action Congress (AAC), Abia State Chapter, has issued a stern condemnation of a statement attributed to the Chairman of Osisioma Local Government Area, in which the Mayor in a video that has seen gone viral on social media warned that citizens who do not support Governor Alex Otti should reconsider coming out to vote in the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Ijoma Ogbonna, the AAC described the reported statement as a direct threat to democracy, a violation of the constitutional rights of Osisioma residents, and a dangerous attempt to suppress voter participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
“This statement is a direct threat to democracy and an insult to the intelligence and rights of the people of Osisioma and Abia State at large,” the statement declared.
The party reminded the Osisioma LGA chairman and all political officeholders that Nigeria operates a multi-party democracy with over 19 registered political parties, and that every citizen has the constitutionally guaranteed right to freely choose who to support without fear, intimidation, or coercion. It stressed that no local government chairman holds any legal authority to suppress voter participation or dictate electoral choices to members of the public.
The AAC issued a three-point demand in response to the alleged statement. It called for an immediate and unreserved public apology from the Osisioma LGA Chairman, a clear disavowal of the statement by the Abia State Government, and swift intervention by security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee the safety and freedom of voters in Osisioma LGA ahead of 2027.
The party also used the statement to reaffirm its commitment to contesting the 2027 elections in Abia State, describing itself as a credible alternative rooted in justice, equity and people-centred governance.
“We want to state unequivocally that AAC Abia State will be on the ballot in the 2027 elections, offering the people a credible alternative rooted in justice, equity, and people-centered governance. No amount of intimidation or political bullying will stop the people from exercising their democratic rights,” the statement read.
Addressing the people of Osisioma and Abia State directly, the AAC urged residents to remain resolute, fearless and committed to active participation in the electoral process, regardless of pressure from any political quarter.
The allegation against the Osisioma LGA Chairman, represents a troubling pattern of democratic backsliding at the local government level an area of governance that directly touches the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians and forms the first tier of citizen participation in the political process.
The Abia State Government and the Osisioma LGA office had not issued any official response to the AAC’s allegations as of the time of this report.
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