NEWS
“THE NIGHTMARE OF YESTERYEARS HAS ENDED, AND THE JOY OF OUR PEOPLE HAS BEEN RESTORED” — Gov. Alex Otti Declares as He Flags-Off 2027 Re-Election Campaign, Promises Greater Development, Warns Against Political Violence and Challenges Opposition to Present Credible Alternatives
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the Labour Party (LP) campaign for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, declaring that the forthcoming electoral contest should be defined by verifiable achievements, credible policy alternatives, peaceful political engagement and the collective determination to sustain Abia State’s development trajectory.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, marked a significant milestone in the Labour Party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections in Abia State. The event also witnessed the inauguration of the Labour Party Advisory Council, chaired by former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, to provide strategic direction and political coordination for Governor Otti’s re-election campaign and other Labour Party candidates across the state.
Addressing a mammoth gathering of party faithful, supporters, political leaders, elected representatives and other dignitaries, Governor Otti presented the election as a defining opportunity for Abians to consolidate the gains of his administration, deepen ongoing reforms and secure another four-year mandate for sustained development.
The Governor, who is seeking re-election alongside his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasised that the campaign is not merely about retaining political power but about strengthening a governance model anchored on accountability, institutional reforms, infrastructure renewal and improved living conditions for the people. He called on party members and supporters to approach the campaign with discipline, maturity and a clear understanding of the responsibility that comes with seeking the people’s mandate.
“Together we shall win, not because it is our right, but because you deserve a government that is responsive and answerable to you. It is an invitation made in humility, calling you to join Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and I as we seek a fresh mandate of another four years to consolidate on the multi-sectoral gains the State has recorded in the last 41 months under our stewardship,“ Governor Otti stated.
For the Governor, the 2027 election represents an opportunity to build upon the foundations already laid by his administration, with particular emphasis on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public institutions, accelerating infrastructure development and positioning Abia to compete more effectively in an evolving economic environment.
He explained that the next phase of his administration would focus on extending development to more communities while taking advantage of emerging investment opportunities capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and improving the overall welfare of residents.
“We intend to use the next four years, when entrusted with a renewed mandate, to extend development through policies and investment decisions that will reposition the State for the opportunities of the emerging economic order, especially now that the basic governance and infrastructure challenges that once hampered our progress have been significantly addressed.
“Our overarching agenda is to further deepen the gains of the last four years, strengthen the institutions of public service, and prepare a new generation of leaders to carry the vision forward.
“Our 2027 manifesto has been unveiled, and when you go through the pages, you will observe that we have painstakingly articulated our achievements on multiple development frontlines with verifiable facts and figures,“ he stated.
Governor Otti’s message placed particular emphasis on continuity, arguing that the reforms undertaken since his administration assumed office require consistency, sustained investment and institutional commitment to deliver their full benefits to the people.
According to him, Abia’s development journey has moved beyond addressing immediate governance challenges to establishing the structures required for long-term economic transformation. He maintained that the administration’s achievements provide a foundation upon which a renewed mandate could accelerate progress across critical sectors.
Reflecting on the changes recorded under his leadership, the Governor described the transformation of Abia as a deliberate process of confronting longstanding structural problems, restoring public confidence and removing obstacles that previously constrained economic productivity.
“The nightmare of yesteryears has ended, and the joy of our people has been restored. In three years, we have taken deliberate steps to address structural challenges and barriers to economic productivity, restore the dignity of our people, and make Abia a reference point in development conversations.
“With a fresh mandate in the February 6, 2027 governorship election, we shall raise the bar even higher and set Abia on the path of irreversible progress through bold leadership, investments in factor assets, and multi-level partnerships for prosperity,“ Governor Otti said.
Beyond outlining his administration’s development priorities, Governor Otti used the campaign flag-off to reaffirm his commitment to peaceful political competition and the protection of opposition parties’ rights to participate freely in the democratic process.
In a clear message to political supporters, the Governor declared that intimidation, violence and the obstruction of legitimate political activities would not be tolerated under his watch.
He stressed that the pursuit of electoral victory must never become an excuse for political hostility, insisting that every party has a constitutional right to campaign, engage voters and present its programmes to the electorate.
“It is clear that the rascality of yesteryears will have no place in Abia State anymore. I have since given a public directive, and I am repeating it here, that opposition parties should not be restricted from the use of public facilities, including the stadium, once they apply, obtain necessary approvals and make the necessary payments.
“Security agencies have also been mandated to arrest and deal decisively with anyone who attempts to obstruct any political group from holding their legitimate activities, even if they are not Labour Party members. I hope I am heard clearly.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning. You have no such mandate from me.
“My advice to all of us is to restrict ourselves to issues that are relevant to our people, sell your manifesto, and leave out unnecessary personal attacks,“ he stated.
The directive sends a strong message that the administration intends to maintain a political environment in which parties can compete without fear of intimidation or unlawful interference.
By specifically extending the protection of legitimate political activities to opposition parties, the Governor underscored the importance of democratic tolerance and respect for the rights of political opponents, regardless of their party affiliations. He also challenged Labour Party supporters to understand that defending the administration’s record does not require attacking individuals or suppressing alternative viewpoints. Instead, he urged them to campaign on the strength of the government’s policies, projects and measurable outcomes.
Governor Otti also challenged opposition parties to go beyond familiar campaign promises and present credible alternatives capable of convincing Abians that they have better ideas for the state’s future. He observed that political campaigns should offer substantive discussions on development priorities rather than rely on repetitive promises in areas where his administration maintains it has already made considerable progress.
The Governor specifically referenced salaries, pensions, road construction and urban sanitation as traditional campaign issues that, in his assessment, his government has substantially addressed. He urged opposition candidates to undertake thorough research before making public claims about the performance of his administration, insisting that the state’s progress can be examined through available data, independent assessments and documented governance indicators.
Governor Otti further maintained that Abia’s performance in citizens’ satisfaction assessments, state performance evaluations and fiscal rankings reflects the progress his administration has pursued in public finance management and service delivery.
“So, what am I saying here? I am saying you should go and do your research first before coming out to open your mouth, because there are data everywhere to show what has been achieved.
“Evidently, the world knows that Abia is on the right track, and the testimony of millions of our people living at home and in the diaspora validates the assessment of the multilateral institutions who have since opened the pathways of development assistance for us,“ the Governor said.
The Governor’s challenge places governance performance at the centre of the forthcoming election, with the Labour Party expected to defend its record while presenting its plans for the next phase of development.
His position is that the electorate deserves a campaign season driven by evidence, policy choices and competing visions for the future rather than personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations or political distractions.
The flag-off also attracted strong support from the national leadership of the Labour Party, with the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, represented by the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed.
The National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, and the National Vice Chairman, South-East, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha, were also present during the event.
Speaking on behalf of the National Working Committee, the party’s representative commended Governor Otti’s performance, noting that his administration’s achievements had generated considerable enthusiasm among party supporters.
She observed that the atmosphere at the campaign flag-off reflected the excitement surrounding the Governor’s leadership and the party’s determination to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party leadership also expressed confidence in Governor Otti’s standing among Abians, maintaining that his record in office provides a strong foundation for the Labour Party’s campaign.
The inauguration of the Advisory Council further demonstrated the party’s intention to coordinate its campaign machinery, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and ensure that its message reaches voters throughout the state.
With Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu at the helm, the council is expected to provide strategic guidance and work with party structures to advance the interests of Governor Otti and all Labour Party candidates contesting elective positions in Abia.
Several prominent political figures and public personalities used the occasion to commend Governor Otti’s administration and express support for the Labour Party’s re-election campaign.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who spoke on behalf of members of the National and State Assemblies, praised the Governor’s achievements and pledged to ensure that the party’s message reaches communities across the state. Their remarks reinforced the importance of political collaboration and grassroots engagement as the campaign gathers momentum ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.
The speakers expressed confidence in the administration’s development agenda and emphasised the need to communicate its policies and achievements effectively to voters in every part of Abia.
Popular Nollywood actress, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo, widely known as Mama G, also lent her voice to the campaign, describing Governor Otti’s leadership as the kind of quality governance the Igbo people need. She urged Abians to support the Governor’s re-election, stressing the importance of sustaining the progress being made in the state.
Her participation added a prominent cultural and entertainment personality to the growing list of voices publicly expressing support for the Governor’s leadership and the continuation of his administration’s programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Advisory Council, its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to work with Governor Otti and contribute to the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
The former Deputy Governor described the council as a body comprising men and women with the experience, competence and capacity required to support the campaign. He assured the Governor and the party leadership that the council would discharge its responsibilities diligently, working towards the successful election of Governor Otti, his Deputy and all Labour Party candidates contesting elective offices in the state.
The council’s inauguration is expected to strengthen the party’s coordination and provide a platform for experienced political leaders to contribute to campaign planning, voter engagement and the consolidation of party structures across Abia. Its mandate extends beyond the governorship race, reflecting the Labour Party’s broader ambition to secure electoral victories across the various elective positions available in the state.
Earlier in the day, the campaign activities were preceded by a church service during which the Founder of Living Word Ministries, Bro. Emma Okorie, delivered a sermon highlighting the importance of visionary leadership in the development of any society.
Drawing attention to the consequences of leadership without a clear vision, the cleric stressed that societies require purposeful direction and responsible leadership to achieve meaningful progress. He commended the governance being delivered by Governor Otti and called on the people to support his re-election, presenting continuity in leadership as an opportunity to sustain the state’s development efforts.
The service also featured prayers for the Governor by church leaders, adding a spiritual dimension to the commencement of the Labour Party’s campaign.
The presence of religious leaders and the prayers offered at the event reflected the significance many participants attached to the election and the future direction of Abia State.
The Labour Party’s campaign flag-off comes at a crucial moment in Abia’s political calendar, with the February 6, 2027 governorship election expected to generate intense debate over governance, public infrastructure, economic opportunities and the future of the state.
For Governor Otti, the central argument of the campaign is that the reforms and development initiatives pursued by his administration require continuity to achieve their full potential. His appeal to Abians rests on consolidating the progress his government says it has recorded, strengthening public institutions, expanding investment opportunities and ensuring that development reaches more communities.
At the same time, his directive against political intimidation and his call for issue-based campaigning establish peaceful democratic competition as an important part of his message to both supporters and opponents.
With the inauguration of the Advisory Council, the backing expressed by party leaders and elected representatives, and the formal commencement of campaign activities, the Labour Party has now moved into a new phase of mobilisation ahead of the election.
The coming months will provide an opportunity for the party to present its manifesto, defend its record and persuade voters that another four years under Governor Otti would advance Abia’s development agenda.
Ultimately, the election will offer Abians the opportunity to assess the competing promises, records and policy proposals of the candidates before deciding who should lead the state for the next four years.
For Governor Otti and the Labour Party, the mission articulated at the Umuahia Township Stadium is clear: consolidate the gains of the current administration, pursue a higher standard of develo
pment, protect democratic participation and seek a renewed mandate through the support of the electorate.