Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially flagged off the Labour Party (LP) campaign for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, calling on political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and focus on issues that will advance the development of the state.
The campaign flag-off, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, also featured the inauguration of the Labour Party Advisory Council, chaired by former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu.
Governor Otti, who is seeking re-election alongside his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described the forthcoming election as an opportunity for Abians to consolidate the development gains recorded by his administration over the past three years.
He urged party supporters to work collectively towards securing another four-year mandate, saying his administration intends to deepen development across various sectors and strengthen public institutions.
“Together we shall win, not because it is our right, but because you deserve a government that is responsive and answerable to you,” Otti said.
He added that a renewed mandate would enable his administration to build on its achievements, address remaining challenges and position Abia to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
The governor also disclosed that the party’s 2027 manifesto had been unveiled, describing it as a document containing details of his administration’s achievements and plans for the state.
Highlighting his government’s record, Otti said his administration had taken deliberate steps to address structural challenges, remove barriers to economic productivity, improve infrastructure and restore the dignity of residents.
He expressed confidence that a fresh mandate would enable his government to raise the standard of development through strategic investments, bold leadership and partnerships.
On the conduct of the 2027 election, the governor warned against political violence, intimidation and attacks on opposition members, stressing that no one had his approval to disrupt the legitimate activities of other political parties.
Otti reiterated his directive that opposition parties must not be denied access to public facilities, including the Umuahia Township Stadium, provided they obtain the necessary approvals and meet the required conditions.
He also disclosed that security agencies had been directed to arrest anyone attempting to obstruct political groups from carrying out lawful campaign activities.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or to stop people from campaigning. You have no such mandate from me,” he warned.
The governor further challenged opposition parties to present credible alternatives and focus their campaigns on policies and development issues rather than personal attacks.
He maintained that his administration had made substantial progress in areas such as salary payments, pensions, road construction and environmental sanitation, urging political opponents to research the state’s performance before making public claims.
Otti also cited assessments by governance institutions, claiming that Abia had recorded impressive performances in citizens’ satisfaction, state performance and fiscal rankings.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Party’s National Working Committee, the National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, represented by the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, commended the governor’s performance.
She said Otti’s achievements had turned the campaign flag-off into a celebration, adding that Abians should be proud of the leadership he was providing.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, also praised the governor’s administration and pledged to take the party’s campaign message across the state.
Popular Nollywood actress, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, also endorsed Otti’s leadership, urging Abians to support his re-election to sustain what she described as good governance in the state.
In his remarks, the chairman of the newly inaugurated Labour Party Advisory Council, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed confidence in the council’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
He assured the governor that members would work towards securing victory for Otti and other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, during a church service preceding the campaign flag-off, the Founder of Living Word Ministries, Bro. Emma Okorie, emphasised the importance of visionary leadership and commended Otti’s administration.
