Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to those plotting to rig the 2027 governorship election, declaring that only God and the will of Abians will determine who leads the state.
Otti made the statement yesterday during the October edition of his monthly media chat, Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, held at the Government House, Umuahia.
Reacting to comments credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take control of Abia in 2027, the governor said he had no fear of political threats but urged fair play in the democratic process.
“I have heard some people say they will take over Abia by any means. My advice to them is simple, if they plan to write election results, they should first write their wills,” Otti said.
The governor stressed that the mandate of the people cannot be stolen, emphasising that the 2027 elections must reflect the genuine choice of Abians.
“The power to decide lies with the people, not with anyone sitting in a corner plotting results,” he added.
Describing Kalu as both a friend and younger brother, Otti said he bore no grudges over the Deputy Speaker’s remarks but advised him and other politicians to focus on peaceful and issue-based politics.
“I have forgiven him,” Otti noted. “We can have political differences and still maintain mutual respect. What matters is that Abia remains peaceful and progressive.”
The governor also dismissed speculations that he was planning to defect to the APC, reiterating his loyalty to the Labour Party.
“For clarity, I am not leaving the Labour Party,” he said. “Our goal remains to deliver good governance to the people who trusted us with their votes.”
Political observers say Otti’s comments reflect growing political tensions in Abia ahead of 2027, as rival parties begin strategising for the next election cycle.