ABIA 2027: OTTI ISSUES STERN WARNING TO ELECTION RIGGERS
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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has cautioned individuals purportedly scheming to manipulate the 2027 governorship election in the region to “prepare their will” prior to attempting to undermine the electorate’s wishes.
Otti conveyed this admonition on Thursday during his monthly engagement with media representatives at the Government House in Umuahia, the state’s administrative center.
The governor stated that he had obtained intelligence indicating that certain political figures were already convening meetings and devising strategies to “seize control of the state” through illicit means ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I have heard that some individuals close to him suggested that if they intend to take over the state, they would fabricate results,” Otti expressed.
“My sole counsel for them is that if they genuinely wish to fabricate results, they should draft something else prior to that time—do you know what it is? Their will. This is our state; no one can coerce us.”
Governor Otti further admonished politicians against initiating premature political campaigns, asserting that such actions violate electoral regulations.
Otti urged candidates and their backers to await the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s official announcement regarding the campaign schedule.
“We must abide by the law. If INEC publishes the timeline and states when campaigning commences, starting before that period places you in jeopardy—you could even face disqualification before the election,” he asserted.
The governor underscored that any political assembly or public declaration of intent prior to INEC’s official schedule equates to early campaigning.
“When you convene individuals and inform them that you will seize the state in 2027, you are campaigning. That is inappropriate,” he remarked.
Otti, who ascended to power under the Labour Party’s banner in 2023, affirmed that the citizens of Abia will freely select their subsequent leader through the voting process.
“If he aspires to contest in an election, once INEC signals the start, he should obtain a form and commence campaigning. It is for the people of Abia to determine who will be their governor,” he concluded.
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