Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially launched the Labour Party’s campaign for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, urging political parties and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation and personal attacks and focus on issues affecting the people.
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.
Otti, who is seeking another term alongside his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the council would provide strategic guidance for the governorship campaign and all Labour Party candidates contesting elective positions across the state.
Addressing party supporters, the governor appealed for their support for a fresh four-year mandate, describing the 2027 election as an opportunity to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
“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.
He said a renewed mandate would enable his administration to deepen development, strengthen public institutions and position Abia to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
“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 said.
Reflecting on his administration’s record, Otti said his government had taken deliberate steps to tackle structural challenges, improve economic productivity and restore the dignity of residents.
“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,” Otti stated.
The governor also used the occasion to assure opposition parties of the right to conduct lawful political activities, warning his supporters against harassing or obstructing rival parties.
“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 said.
Otti challenged opposition parties to offer credible alternatives and move beyond what he described as the traditional campaign issues of salaries, pensions, road construction and urban sanitation, which he maintained his administration had substantially addressed.
He also cited Abia’s reported performance in the Citizens Satisfaction Index, States Performance Index and Fiscal Performance Ranking as evidence of progress under his leadership.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Party National Working Committee, National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, represented by Deputy National Chairman Hon. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, said Otti’s performance had turned the campaign flag-off into a carnival.
She was accompanied by the National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, and the party’s South-East National Vice Chairman, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha. She said Abians should be proud to have a governor of impeccable character.
In separate goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who spoke on behalf of members of the National and State Assemblies, commended Otti’s achievements and pledged to take the party’s campaign message to communities across the state.
Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, also endorsed the governor’s re-election bid, saying he was providing the quality leadership needed in the South-East. She urged Abians to support his return to office to sustain good governance.
Speaking for the newly inaugurated Advisory Council, its chairman, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed readiness to work with the governor, describing the council members as men and women of capacity. He assured that they would work to secure the re-election of Otti and other Labour Party candidates.
Earlier, during the church service preceding the campaign launch, Founder of Living Word Ministries, Bro. Emma Okorie, emphasised the importance of visionary leadership, declaring that a society without vision was doomed. He commended Otti’s administration and called on Abians to support his re-election.
The event attracted party leaders, elected officials, religious leaders and other dignitaries, and featured prayers for the governor.
