2027: Otti’s Kinsmen Rally Behind Him, Endorse Second Term, Promise Grassroots Mobilisation

By Our Corespondent

Stakeholders from more than 50 villages across the four blocs of Nvosi Clan in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State have endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, pledging to mobilise grassroots support for his re-election in 2027.

The stakeholders, drawn from different political parties, traditional institutions, religious bodies, women’s groups and youth organisations, declared Otti their sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election at a solidarity meeting held on Sunday, in Nvosi, the governor’s hometown.

The endorsement, which brought together community leaders and opinion moulders across the clan, was described by the organisers as an expression of appreciation for Otti’s performance in office and a demonstration of their determination to support his bid for a second term.

Accepting the endorsement, Otti thanked his kinsmen for standing by him, assuring them that he was not afraid of the forthcoming election.

The governor acknowledged the support he had received from his people over the years, but alleged that some politicians had manipulated the electoral process in the past.

“We want to assure you that we are not afraid,” Otti declared.

He also announced that the Abia State Labour Party would commence its governorship campaign on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with a church service at the Umuahia Township Stadium, followed by the formal flag-off of the campaign.

Otti said the achievements recorded by his administration within three years and some months represented only the beginning of greater development for the state, promising that his government would sustain its efforts to improve the lives of residents.

He explained that his administration was paying particular attention to Aba and Umuahia because of their economic potential and capacity to generate revenue that could support development across other parts of Abia State.

Addressing the expectations of his kinsmen, the governor promised more democratic dividends for Nvosi, particularly in road infrastructure and industrial development.

He also disclosed that the ongoing Abia Airport project was expected to be completed in 2028, adding that airline operators had already begun expressing interest in the facility.

Earlier, the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Abia Central, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, said the meeting was organised to appreciate Otti for his performance in office, recognise the pride he had brought to his community and formally endorse him as Nvosi’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

In their separate speeches, elder statesman Dr Gershon Amuta and other community leaders, including Elders Ishmael Onuoha and Israel Nwogwugwu, as well as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Mrs Evelyn Amaike, commended the governor’s administration.

They described Otti’s performance as outstanding and said he had done better than previous governors of the state, expressing pride in his achievements and reaffirming their support for his re-election.

The stakeholders urged the governor not to be distracted by what they described as the antics of opposition politicians, whom they accused of failing to place the interests of Abia State above partisan considerations.

They also referred to alleged libations poured against the governor by some opposition members, expressing the belief that such actions would backfire and urging Otti not to be intimidated by what they characterised as worthless rituals.

The Archbishop of the Aba Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Isaac Nwobia, who led the Nvosi Ministers’ Forum in prayers for the governor at the gathering, commended what he described as Otti’s people-centred service and transformational leadership.

Nwobia also assured the governor of the support of the ministers for his re-election bid.

In separate interviews with journalists, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Associate Professor Obioma Nwogbe; and the Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba Zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, said the endorsement reflected the collective position of stakeholders from the four blocs of Nvosi.

They stressed that the decision cut across political affiliations and was a natural expression of the community’s appreciation for the governor’s performance.

Monday said the endorsement represented a broad-based community position involving traditional rulers, village heads, clergy, women leaders, youths and other stakeholders.

“This endorsement cuts across the entire community, the four clans in the area, and all stakeholders, including the clergy, traditional rulers, village heads, women leaders, youths and other members of the community.

“We believe that our son has performed well, and we are proud of his achievements. Today’s gathering is an opportunity for us to recognise and appreciate the good work our son is doing across Abia State. That is the essence of this endorsement,” he said.

Nwogbe said the turnout of stakeholders from more than 50 villages demonstrated the level of support Otti enjoyed among his people.

“All the stakeholders from over 50 villages gathered here today to show support for Dr Alex Otti. He has made all Nvosi people proud in all sectors, starting from education, to transport, road infrastructure, health, communication, and digital economy. The Nvosi people are proud and solidly behind him,” he said.

Ezengwa, in his remarks, said the endorsement was a demonstration of the community’s confidence in the governor and its determination to sustain support for his political ambition beyond 2027.

“The implication of this endorsement is that our son, Governor Alex Otti, has made us proud, and we are very proud of his achievements. Because of the good work he has done, we are fully behind him and will continue to support him all the way, even beyond 2027.

“As stakeholders, we are working behind the scenes at the grassroots level to mobilise the people and ensure that everyone comes out to support him when the time comes,” he said.