Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has issued a strong warning to political figures allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election, declaring that anyone planning to subvert the people’s will should “write their will” before attempting it.
Speaking during his monthly media interaction at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, Otti said intelligence reports indicate that certain political actors are already holding meetings to strategize on how to “take over the state” through unlawful means.
“I’ve heard that some people said they will write the result if they must take over Abia,” Otti revealed. “My advice to them is simple — before you write any result, write your will. This state belongs to the people, and no one will be allowed to intimidate or undermine their choice.”
The governor, who came to power under the Labour Party in 2023, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to protect the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that elections in Abia remain credible and transparent.
He also warned aspirants and their supporters against engaging in premature campaigns, saying such actions contravene electoral laws and could attract sanctions from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We must respect the rule of law. Campaigns should only begin when INEC declares them open. Any political activity before that time is illegal and could lead to disqualification,” he cautioned.
Otti maintained that his government would not tolerate any act capable of destabilizing the peace and democratic process in the state.
“When you call gatherings and start making declarations for 2027, that’s early campaigning, and it’s against the law,” he said. “Abians will freely choose their next leader through the ballot box — not by manipulation, not by force.”
Reiterating his belief in democratic values, Otti concluded, “Elections should be about service, not desperation. Whoever wishes to govern Abia must seek the people’s mandate lawfully. The era of rigging is over.”
