The National Working Committee of the Accord Party has endorsed the re-election bid of Alex Otti, directing its Abia State chapter to support and work for the governor’s return to office in 2027.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti by the National Chairman of the party, Christopher Imumolen, alongside members of the party’s National and State Working Committees.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Imumolen said Governor Otti had demonstrated exceptional leadership and deserved support beyond party lines.
“For me, development is beyond party line. Once there is development, once there is progress, it’s important that the opposition should acknowledge it,” he said.
“Opposition should not only be there to criticize, but should also appreciate good leadership when they see one.”
The Accord Party chairman said the visit was aimed at appreciating the governor’s performance and pledging the party’s support ahead of the next election cycle.
“We are here today to appreciate the Governor, to thank him for what he is doing, and to also stand with him,” Imumolen stated.
“We know election is drawing closer, and we are saying that, if he has done this much, we believe that as a party, we should stand with him, we should fight with him, and ensure that there is continuity, even after 2027.”
He further disclosed that the Accord Party would mobilize its structures in support of Otti’s re-election bid.
“We are giving him all the support from the Accord Party from the National to our Abia State Chapter, because he has done so well as the Governor of Abia State.
“And the only way we can appreciate beyond words is to see that we support him and make sure that as a Party, we do everything possible to support and work for his re-election,” he added.
Prof. Imumolen also directed the party leadership in Abia State to mobilize members in support of the governor.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Accord Party, Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo, announced that the party would not field a governorship candidate in Abia State in 2027.
“On behalf of our party, I want to assure Your Excellency that no candidate from our party will be contesting for the governorship position in Abia State,” he stated.
“The National Working Committee has directed the State Executive of the party to join hands with the Labour Party and work for the good of the people of Abia State. Let the good work continue.”
In her remarks delivered virtually, Nenadi Usman commended the Accord Party leadership for acknowledging what she described as good governance in Abia State.
“Opposition believes that once you are in the opposition, it means even when the ruling party is doing well, you must criticise for criticising sake,” she said.
“So, for Accord Party to now come, not with criticisms, but to appreciate the good work you are doing for the people of Abia State, honestly, it’s a welcome development that is not common in our polity.”
She added that such political maturity could improve governance across the country.
“I wish Nigeria would start doing things this way. I believe Nigeria would be a better place, and leaders would be able to deliver more of the dividends of democracy to their people with people encouraging them,” Usman stated.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the Accord Party leadership for what he described as their understanding of the true essence of politics and governance.
“The whole essence of politics is about the welfare of our people and security of our people,” Otti said.
“I want to assure you that we will also work together with you. We will work together both at the State and National level.”
The governor also lamented what he described as the culture of denying visible achievements in politics.
“It’s in politics that people see it as an anathema to say the truth. So, you see something that is working and you pretend that you are not seeing it. Or you may lie that it’s not working,” he stated.
“But then, the whole essence of politics is about the welfare of the people.”
Governor Otti further said leadership should be about service and improving the lives of citizens.
“Even before this time, I had maintained that if I see somebody who would do this job better than me, I would quit and let the person continue, because that’s what it’s about,” he added.
The meeting was attended by members of the Accord Party National Working Committee, state chairmen from Abia, Imo and other states, while Governor Otti was joined by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, commissioners and other senior government officials.
