Gov. Otti Flags-Off LP Campaign, Inaugurates Advisory Council, Calls for Peaceful Campaigns

By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu On Nov 2, 2026

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has formally flagged-off the Labour Party (LP) campaign for the 2027 governorship election, calling on political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns, avoid personal attacks and focus on issues that will advance the development of the State.

The flag-off ceremony, which took place 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.

Governor Otti, who is seeking re-election alongside his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the Advisory Council will provide guidance not only for the governorship campaign but also for all Labour Party candidates contesting for various elective positions in the State.

Addressing party faithful and supporters, Governor Otti called for collective efforts towards securing another four-year mandate, describing the election as an opportunity to consolidate the development gains recorded by 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.

The State Chief Executive said his administration intends to use the next four years to deepen development across the State through policies and investment decisions that will position Abia to benefit from 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.

Governor Otti noted that Abia has witnessed significant transformation, as his administration has taken deliberate steps within three years to address structural challenges, remove barriers to 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,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti declared that the rascality of the past will have no place in the State and reiterated his directive that no member of the opposition should be victimised.

“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,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor challenged opposition parties to present credible alternatives and campaign on issues beyond the traditional areas of salaries, pensions, road construction and urban sanitation, which he said his administration has substantially addressed.

Governor Otti maintained that Abia now ranks first in the Citizens Satisfaction Index and stands in excellent position on the States Performance Index and Fiscal Performance Ranking as published by reputable governance assessment institutions.

“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 National Working Committee of the Labour Party, the National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, represented by the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, and flanked by the National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, and National Vice Chairman, South-East, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha, said Governor Otti’s superlative performance has turned the campaign flag-off into a carnival.

She said Abians should be proud to have a Governor of impeccable character.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and the 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 the Governor’s achievements and assured that the party’s message would reach the nooks and crannies of the State.

In her goodwill message, popular Nollywood actress, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo, also known as Mama G, noted that Governor Otti is providing the quality leadership Ndigbo needs and urged Abians to ensure his re-election to sustain good governance in Abia.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Advisory Council, the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, said he was pleased to work with the Governor, noting that members of the Council are men and women of capacity, and assured that they would deliver on their mandate to ensure the Governor and all Labour Party candidates are returned elected.

Earlier, in his sermon during the church service that preceded the flag-off, the Founder of Living Word Ministries, Bro. Emma Okorie, stressed the need for visionary leadership, noting that a society without vision is destroyed. He saluted the governance being delivered by Governor Otti and called on all to ensure his re-election.

The event, which attracted many dignitaries, featured prayers for the Governor by church leaders.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.