Otti Inaugurates 2027 Campaign Council, Vows Issue-Based, Violence-Free Poll

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Labour Party (LP) Governorship Campaign Council for the 2027 election, directing members to run an inclusive, issue-based and peaceful campaign across the state.

Otti, who inaugurated the council on Monday in Umuahia, charged members to work closely with the party leadership, candidates, stakeholders, government appointees, mayors and support groups to build a broad grassroots campaign structure.

The council is headed by former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, as Director-General, while Otti serves as Chairman and Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu as Vice Chairman.

The council also includes zonal and state constituency coordinators across Abia.

Otti, while congratulating the appointees, reminded them that their selection was a call to service and urged them to see themselves as “the best among equals,” rather than as bosses.

He said the campaign would be anchored on the grassroots, stressing that mobilisation must begin from polling units and extend through wards and local government areas.

The governor consequently directed members of the council to work in harmony with the party structure and other stakeholders, including support groups such as Abia Arise, to ensure broad participation and effective coordination.

According to him, the 2027 campaign would be driven by issues and the administration’s record of performance.

Otti said the situation would be different from the 2023 election, when his campaign was largely based on promises, stressing that by 2027, the administration would have tangible achievements to present to voters.

He cautioned the campaign council against being distracted by propaganda, urging members to remain focused on issues that affect the people of Abia.

The governor also warned against violence during the electioneering period, declaring that there would be no room for violence in his campaign.

“We are not going to tolerate violence of any kind,” Otti said.

He said all political actors should be allowed to express their views and participate in healthy debate, adding that he had directed security agencies to provide a level playing field for his campaign and other political actors in the state.

Otti congratulated Agwu and other members of the council, wishing them success in the assignment.

He further disclosed that the administration would, in the coming days, inaugurate a Campaign Advisory Council to provide additional strategic coordination.

The advisory council, he said, would be chaired by former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu.

Agwu, who responded on behalf of the council, thanked Otti for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged that the council would work to meet the expectations of the administration and the party.