Otti Flags Off 2027 Re-Election Campaign, Seeks Fresh Mandate

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has formally flagged off his re-election campaign under the Labour Party, appealing to residents to support his administration for another four years to consolidate what he described as the achievements recorded since assuming office in May 2023.

Otti made the appeal on Sunday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during the formal flag-off of the Labour Party’s 2027 governorship campaign, where he presented Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu as his running mate.

The governor said the 2027 election would mark a transition from what he described as the rescue phase of his administration to a period of consolidation, institutional strengthening and accelerated development.

He recalled the political struggle that preceded his emergence in 2023, noting that the movement for a New Abia began 12 years ago following years of what he described as governance failure, institutional collapse and economic hardship.

According to him, the support of Abia residents and party faithful sustained the movement despite political setbacks in the 2015 and 2019 elections.

Otti attributed the transformation recorded in the state since May 29, 2023, to the people of Abia, particularly supporters who remained committed to the political movement despite intimidation and opposition.

He also paid tribute to deceased members of the movement, including Prince Otisi Ndukwe Kalu, popularly known as Abbot; Mazi Nnanna Ngwu; Mr Eze Alomefuna; Prince Dike; Dr Mike Nwachukwu; Prince Emeka Obasi; Chief Enyi Aji and Chief Mike Nkwoji, describing their contributions as instrumental to the struggle for a New Abia.

Explaining his decision to seek re-election alongside Emetu, the governor identified three major objectives: consolidating existing achievements, institutionalising excellence and accountability in public service, and positioning the state to benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

He said the next four years would focus on strengthening public institutions, sustaining development projects and preparing a new generation of leaders to carry the state’s development vision forward.

Highlighting his administration’s performance, Otti said more than 400 road projects covering over 1,000 kilometres had been completed, while another 82 projects spanning more than 200 kilometres were ongoing.

He listed major road projects undertaken by his administration to include Port Harcourt Road, Obohia and Ohanku roads in Aba, as well as Uratta and Old Express roads.
Others include Ozu Abam-Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, Uma Ukpai Road, the 67.4-kilometre Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Abiriba-Ohafia Road and Nunya-Eluama-Ogboro Road.

The governor said his administration had also extended road construction and rehabilitation to communities across the state’s 17 local government areas, with emphasis on projects capable of stimulating economic activities and improving living conditions.

On healthcare, he said the government had revitalised primary healthcare facilities and strengthened secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions to restore public confidence in the health sector.

In education, Otti disclosed that more than 9,000 teachers had been recruited into public primary and secondary schools, alongside the construction of smart schools and renovation of existing educational facilities.

He added that his administration had invested billions of naira in infrastructure and staff welfare at Abia State University, Uturu; Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba; and Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu.

Other areas he identified as priorities of his administration include security, public transportation, electricity, urban sanitation, agriculture, industrial development, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, youth development and the digital economy.

Otti said the government’s 2027 manifesto contained details of its achievements and plans for the state, adding that a renewed mandate would enable it to deepen ongoing reforms and attract further development investments.

He urged Labour Party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election, stressing that victory would depend on their commitment to securing votes across polling units.

The governor also called on party members to support Labour Party candidates contesting the three senatorial seats, eight House of Representatives positions and 24 state constituencies.

Addressing opposition parties, Otti congratulated their candidates and assured them of a peaceful and competitive electoral environment.

He said his administration had directed that opposition parties should be allowed to use public facilities for legitimate political activities, subject to necessary approvals.

He further disclosed that security agencies had been instructed to deal with anyone attempting to obstruct opposition campaigns or destroy their campaign materials.

The governor urged political parties to focus their campaigns on manifestoes and issues affecting residents rather than personal attacks.

He, however, argued that political campaigns in Abia should move beyond promises of road construction, payment of salaries and pensions, and urban sanitation, insisting that governance expectations had risen under his administration.

Otti also cited rankings in citizens’ satisfaction, senior secondary school examination performance, health preparedness and fiscal performance as evidence of what he described as the state’s progress.

He urged residents to participate actively in the campaign, saying the task of building a New Abia remained unfinished.

He urged residents to participate actively in the campaign, saying the task of building a New Abia remained unfinished.

The governor called on supporters to return to their communities, mobilise voters and persuade more residents to support his administration’s bid for a second term.