Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to individuals allegedly plotting to manipulate election results in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying anyone planning to rig should first “write their will.”
Gossip News Now reports that Otti made the remark on Thursday during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, held at the Government House, Umuahia.
The governor’s statement was in response to remarks credited to Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who had earlier boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take control of Abia State in 2027.
Otti: “Abia’s Mandate Cannot Be Stolen”
Governor Otti, who was elected under the Labour Party (LP), dismissed the APC’s claims as political propaganda, asserting that the mandate of Abians cannot be subverted through manipulation or intimidation.
“I have heard some people saying they will take over this state, that they must write results.
My only advice is simple — if they truly plan to write results, they should write something else before that time — their will,” Otti warned.
He stressed that only the will of God and the people of Abia would determine the outcome of the next election, not political scheming.
“Kalu Is a Friend, But Let’s Play by the Rules”
Speaking further, Otti described Deputy Speaker Kalu as a friend and younger brother, but cautioned that political ambition must not destroy the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
“I am not afraid of threats. He has every right to contest in 2027, but he must play according to the rules,” Otti said.
The governor also noted that he had forgiven Kalu for what he called “unwarranted criticisms” of his administration, emphasizing that his focus remains on governance and development rather than political distractions.
Otti Reaffirms Loyalty to Labour Party
Addressing rumours about a possible defection to the APC, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, insisting he had no intention of leaving the platform that brought him to power.
“Let it be clear — I remain a proud member of the Labour Party. My loyalty is to Abians and to the people who freely gave me their mandate,” he stated.
Governor Otti’s bold remarks signal that the political atmosphere in Abia State is already heating up ahead of the 2027 elections, with both LP and APC leaders preparing for what could be a fiercely contested race.
