By Isaac Mission 

Political parties in the South-East have stepped up preparations for the 2027 elections, with competing parties in Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu and Imo states building grassroots structures and mobilising supporters ahead of the polls.

The major parties involved include the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance and other emerging political platforms.

While parties in some states are focusing on issue-based campaigns and grassroots mobilisation, political tensions and allegations of violence have raised concerns about the conduct of the electioneering season.

Ebonyi: Parties trade accusations amid violence

In Ebonyi State, political activities have gathered momentum, but incidents of violence have become a major concern.

The APC state chairman, Stanley Okoro Emegha, called for campaigns centred on issues and records rather than personal attacks. He also challenged opposition parties to focus on their plans for the state instead of inflammatory rhetoric.

The Labour Party equally said it was preparing for the election, with its chairman, Henry Ude, disclosing that candidates had already been engaging voters ahead of the formal campaign period.

However, Ude expressed concern over reported attacks linked to political activities in parts of the state.

Several people were reportedly injured and property destroyed during an incident in Ezza South Local Government Area following an attack on participants at political gatherings associated with PDP members.

Tension also followed the reported killing of an elderly man, Ubochi Onwe, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. He was allegedly attacked while returning from an APGA consultation meeting.

Another opposition supporter, Shedrack Onele, was reportedly attacked after hosting an NDC gathering in Ebonyi Local Government Area and was subsequently hospitalised.

The Labour Party chairman condemned the incidents, saying opposition parties would not be intimidated from participating in the election.

The PDP also called for political tolerance and a level playing field. Its state chairman, Chukwuma Igwe, accused the ruling APC of contributing to the tension, an allegation the party would need to substantiate.

Meanwhile, the ADC said it was preparing for the election and urged authorities to ensure a free and credible process.

Abia: Otti's party seeks to retain power

In Abia, the ruling Labour Party is concentrating on strengthening its structures across the state's 17 local government areas as it prepares to defend its control of the Government House.

The party's leadership said greater coordination among its members and grassroots officials would be crucial to securing victory in 2027.

Its publicity secretary, Emenike Iroegbu, expressed confidence that Governor Alex Otti's administration would secure enough support to retain power, pointing to what he described as growing public confidence in the government.

The APC, however, is also expanding its presence across the state and says it intends to challenge the Labour Party at every level.

The party said it was targeting victory in the governorship, presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives and state Assembly elections.

The PDP is equally positioning itself for a comeback. Its governorship candidate, Kelechi Anosike, said the party had been deliberately rebuilding its political machinery and would not accept another term in opposition.

Other parties, including the African Action Congress and Action People's Party, are also preparing for the governorship contest, with their candidates expressing confidence in their chances.

Enugu: APC relies on Mbah's record

In Enugu State, the APC, ADC and NDC are adopting different strategies as they prepare for the 2027 governorship election.

The APC is placing emphasis on Governor Peter Mbah's record in office, while the ADC is relying on its grassroots network and the decision to zone its governorship ticket to Enugu North Senatorial District.

The NDC is also building structures across the state's 17 local government areas, wards and polling units.

The APC's state publicity secretary, Uche Obute, said the party would take its campaign across the state to highlight projects executed by the Mbah administration.

He cited investments in smart schools, primary healthcare facilities, the International Conference Centre and Enugu Air as examples of projects the party would use to campaign for another term.

Obute expressed confidence that the APC would dominate the forthcoming local government elections and perform strongly in the 2027 polls.

The ADC, however, said it had established structures from the polling-unit level to the state level. The party said its zoning arrangement and candidate's grassroots appeal would be central to its campaign.

The party also said it would focus on its manifesto rather than personal attacks and was training its agents to properly monitor election materials and results.

For the NDC, state chairman Johnpaul Ani said the party had been preparing long before the formal campaign period.

According to him, the party's structures cover voter mobilisation, polling-unit operations, result transmission and collation, as well as possible legal challenges where necessary.

He said the NDC would campaign around issues such as economic opportunities, security, education, healthcare, accountability and competent leadership.

Imo: Opposition parties activate grassroots structures

In Imo State, opposition parties have begun strengthening their structures following the lifting of the campaign restriction by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The ADC said it had already commenced a statewide mobilisation exercise covering the state's 27 local government areas.

The party explained that the exercise was designed to engage grassroots members and stakeholders ahead of the main campaign.

The All Peoples Party also declared its readiness, saying it would sell its candidates to voters through an issues-based campaign.

Its Imo East senatorial candidate, Chima Matthew Amadi, said the party would focus on ideas and practical solutions rather than vote buying or empty promises.

He also warned against intimidation of party members and said the APP would use lawful means to protect its supporters and votes.

The NDC is equally preparing for a major mobilisation campaign in the state.

Its chairman, James Okoroma, said the outcome of the recent Osun governorship election showed that voters could determine electoral outcomes when they remained committed to protecting their votes.

Across the four states, parties are therefore combining grassroots mobilisation with political messaging as the 2027 elections draw closer.

However, the reported incidents of violence in Ebonyi have heightened concerns over security and political tolerance, making the need for peaceful campaigns and credible elections an increasingly important issue across the region.