FENRAD Calls for Caution, Respectful Public Discourse, and Institutional Safeguards in Abia Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has urged political actors, government officials, opposition parties, and civic stakeholders in Abia State to embrace caution, civility, and institutional safeguards as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
FENRAD called for the convening of a “pre-election civic compact” among all stakeholders to ensure respectful conduct, electoral transparency, and non-intimidation throughout the electioneering period.
The organization announced plans to deploy public observers, in partnership with local groups, to monitor political rallies, statements, and campaigns, tracking rhetoric and documenting instances of potential coercion or incitement.
In addition, FENRAD will launch a statewide voter education campaign to remind citizens of their democratic rights — including the right to vote freely, reject intimidation, report malpractice, and pursue justice through lawful channels if irregularities are witnessed.
The group also plans to establish complaint mechanisms, including hotlines and mobile reporting platforms, to enable the prompt logging and response to allegations of threats, coercion, or manipulation of election results.
FENRAD further called on broadcast and print media outlets in Abia to dedicate space to fact-checking high-profile political statements — particularly those made by Governor Alex Otti and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu — to strengthen accountability and public trust.
“The people of Abia State deserve peaceful, inclusive, and democratic elections — not a heightening of tensions through inflammatory rhetoric,”
said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
He urged all political leaders, security agencies, and the electorate to choose dialogue over threats, accountability over intimidation, and participation over apathy, stressing that FENRAD remains committed to partnering with all stakeholders for a credible 2027 election.
