Abia State Governor Alex Otti, during a press briefing, warned those planning to manipulate the 2027 governorship election results to “write their will first,” emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated in the state.
Otti’s statement came in response to claims by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu that the APC would reclaim Abia State, highlighting a deepening political rift between the two figures.
The governor stressed that the people’s mandate and divine will would determine the election outcome, reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party and his administration’s achievements in salaries, infrastructure, and security.
Otti’s warning was part of a broader message to maintain peace and decorum, as he stated, “I want us to maintain peace and decorum,” despite not feeling threatened by the potential manipulation.
This statement follows recent tensions, including a dispute over a $263.8 million loan facility for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development Project, which has not yet been disbursed, according to the state’s Chief Liaison Officer to the National Assembly, Chief Iheanyi Chinasa.
The political context includes Otti’s victory in the 2023 governorship election, where he polled 175,467 votes to defeat Okey Ahiwe of the PDP, who received 88,529 votes, marking a significant shift in Abia State’s political landscape after 24 years of PDP rule.
Otti’s administration has been focused on infrastructure development, as evidenced by the loan facility aimed at accelerating projects across the state, despite criticisms from opposition figures like Kalu.
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