Intelligence reports indicate plot to subvert election
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to those allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election, urging them to “write their will” before attempting to subvert the people’s mandate.
Otti gave the warning on Thursday during his monthly media chat with journalists at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital.
According to the governor, intelligence reports have revealed that some political actors are already holding meetings and strategizing to “take over the state” through unlawful means ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I’ve heard that some people around him said if they must take over the state, they will write result,” Otti said. “The only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write result, they should write something else before that time — you know what it is? Their will. Because this is our state, nobody can intimidate us.”
Otti cautions against early campaigns
Governor Otti also warned politicians against engaging in early campaigns, noting that such actions violate the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We must respect the law. If INEC releases the timetable and says this is the time that campaign starts, if you start campaigning before then, you put yourself in harm’s way — you can even be disqualified before the election,” he stated.
The governor explained that any public gathering or political declaration before INEC announces its timetable constitutes early campaigning, which is punishable under the law.
“When you gather people and you’re telling them you’re going to take over the state in 2027, you’re campaigning. It is not right,” Otti cautioned.
‘Abia people will decide their governor’
Otti reaffirmed that Abia people alone will determine who governs them in 2027 through a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
“If he wants to run an election, once INEC blows the whistle, he should go and pick up a form and begin to campaign. It’s for Abia people to decide who would be their governor,” he added.
The governor emphasized that his administration is focused on strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring that power remains with the people and not with political godfathers or electoral manipulators.
