KEY POINTS

• Otti says his re-election bid stems from unfinished work, declaring he would have stepped aside if the mission were complete
• He dismissed opposition elements as “insignificant,” accounting for less than 5 percent of the state, and condemned what he called “politics of witchcraft”
• Former Labour Party candidate Dannie Ubani organized a 10,000-person solidarity march in Isiala Ngwa South to declare support for Otti’s 2027 campaign

Abia State Governor Alex Otti says he is seeking re-election because his administration still has unfinished work to complete. He made the declaration Wednesday at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South local government area, during a 10,000-person solidarity march that former Labour Party House of Assembly candidate Dannie Ubani organized.

“If I had finished the work that I came to do, I wouldn’t be seeking a second term,” Otti told the crowd. “There is still significant work to be done in this administration’s quest to transform the state.”

Otti dismisses opposition as fringe force

Otti also turned his attention to political rivals, accusing certain opposition figures of practicing what he called “politics of witchcraft.” He dismissed them as accounting for less than 5 percent of the state.

Furthermore, he said constructive criticism should acknowledge what his administration has achieved rather than deny visible progress. The governor told supporters that the Otti second term agenda centers on completing the transformation of Abia, not starting over.

Meanwhile, Ubani, who convened the event to showcase the governor’s achievements, declared his unwavering support for the 2027 re-election bid.

Rally underscores broad grassroots support

The solidarity march drew attention to the groundswell of support Otti commands heading into the 2027 cycle. Moreover, the event signaled that Labour Party structures in Isiala Ngwa South remain firmly behind the administration. Otti thanked Ubani and other organizers, arguing that a second term would allow the administration to push its development agenda to completion.

He added that he would only have stepped aside if the mission were complete. Indeed, supporters at the rally made clear they expect the Otti second term to follow through on promises already in motion.