Says he’s not defecting to APC • Warns political opponents against intimidation, boasts of people’s support
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has fired a bold warning to political actors plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election, saying anyone attempting to subvert the will of the people should “write their wills first.”
Speaking passionately to journalists in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday, October 16, Governor Otti also dismissed swirling rumours of his alleged defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such speculation as “cheap political distraction.”
The governor, who has become one of the leading lights of the Labour Party in the South-East, said he remains firmly committed to the ideals of transparency, good governance, and people-oriented leadership that earned him the people’s mandate.
> “I have heard that some people are saying they must take over the state and they will write the results,” Otti said.
“My advice to them is simple: if they truly want to write anything, they should write their wills first. This is our state, and nobody can intimidate us.”
Otti maintained that Abia belongs to the people, not to any political godfather or external force, adding that his administration’s focus remains on delivering development rather than engaging in political brinkmanship.
> “Am I threatened? Absolutely not. Do I bother about that? Not at all. But I urge all Abians to maintain peace and decorum. We will continue to do our work and trust the people to stand by us,” he said.
The governor’s fiery remarks came amid an ongoing verbal exchange between him and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who had recently boasted that the APC would take over Abia State in 2027.
Kalu, while addressing supporters in the state, claimed that the ruling party at the centre was poised to reclaim Abia and questioned the source of funds used for the governor’s various development projects.
However, political observers say Otti’s response reflects growing confidence in his administration’s achievements and his popularity among Abians, many of whom have lauded him for revitalising infrastructure, improving workers’ welfare, and enhancing fiscal discipline in the state.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Otti’s statement has sent a strong message across the political landscape — that Abia State will not bow to manipulation or intimidation from any quarter.
PIONEER NEWS 