Otti Warns Against Election Rigging in 2027, Says Only God and the People Will Decide Abia’s Future

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared that the will of God and the mandate of the people will determine who emerges victorious in the 2027 governorship election in the state, warning that no one should attempt to manipulate or rig the process against the people’s wishes.

Otti issued the warning on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.

Responding to a journalist’s question on recent remarks by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had boasted that the All Progressives Congress, APC, would take over Abia in 2027, Otti said he was unbothered by such claims.

The governor, however, cautioned those planning to manipulate election results to desist, stressing that the people’s will must prevail.

“I have heard that some people around him say, ‘oh, they must take over this state, they must write results,’ but the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time,” Otti said.

“You know what it is? Their will.”

Otti, who described Kalu as his “friend and younger brother,” said he had forgiven him for making disparaging remarks about his personality and administration but maintained that the peace and stability in Abia should not be jeopardized for political reasons.

“Abia is enjoying peace today, and I will not allow anyone to destroy that peace for politics,” the governor stated.

He further clarified that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, dismissing speculations about a possible defection to the APC.

“I am not joining the APC. I remain a proud member of the Labour Party,” Otti affirmed.

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to uphold transparency, fairness, and good governance while safeguarding the democratic rights of Abians ahead of the 2027 elections.