Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has issued a strong warning to politicians against any attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in the state. Speaking during his monthly media briefing at the Government House in Umuahia on Thursday, the Governor urged all political actors to respect the will of the people and allow it to determine the next electoral cycle. He declared that the next election would be decided by “the will of God and the people,” rather than political scheming or backroom manoeuvres.
Governor Otti advised those allegedly planning to influence the electoral process through illicit means to carefully reconsider their actions, cautioning that any attempt to subvert the mandate of the people would be met with serious consequences. His remarks were a pointed response to recent statements attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who reportedly boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take control of Abia State in the 2027 polls. Otti was quoted as warning those boasting about ‘writing results’ that they should consider preparing their wills instead.
Clarifying his position, the Governor stated that while he holds no objection to any individual contesting for the governorship position, he stressed that the electoral process must be transparent and credible. Otti insisted that everyone possesses the right to aspire to the highest office in the state, but firmly warned that “no one should think they can undermine the will of Abians.” His caution underscores a commitment to electoral integrity and a determination to prevent a recurrence of any alleged past electoral malpractices.
