Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has retained his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election as the Labour Party flagged off its campaign in Umuahia.
Governor Otti announced the decision on Sunday while formally launching his re-election campaign, saying the next four years would be focused on consolidating the achievements of his administration and expanding development across the state.
The governor said his administration had moved Abia from what he described as years of governance failure and institutional decline towards renewal and development.
He urged residents to give him another four-year mandate in the 6 February 2027 governorship election, promising to raise the standard of governance through investment, bold leadership and partnerships.
“With a fresh mandate in the February 6, 2027, governorship elections, we shall raise the bar even higher and set Abia on the path of irreversible progress through bold leadership, investments in factor assets, and multilevel partnership for prosperity,” he said.
Mr Otti said the decision to retain Emetu was part of his administration’s plan to move from “rescue to consolidation” after 41 months in office.
He invited Abians to support him and his deputy for another term under the Labour Party.
Otti backs opposition campaign activities
The governor also directed that opposition political parties should not be prevented from using public facilities in the state for their campaign activities.
He said parties could use facilities, including the stadium, once they applied, obtained the necessary approvals and met the required conditions.
Mr Otti further warned security agencies against obstructing legitimate political activities, saying they had no authorisation from him to attack people or stop political parties from campaigning.
He urged political parties to focus their campaigns on issues affecting residents rather than personal attacks.
Labour Party targets victory
Labour Party state chairman, Peter Azubuike, expressed confidence that the party would win the 2027 elections in Abia.
Mr Azubuike said the party was determined to secure victory across the state, declaring that “LP is out to win and will clear all elections in Abia.”
The party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, who was represented by Deputy National Chairman Nuhu Mohammed, described the campaign launch as an event aimed at strengthening support for Governor Otti.
He urged Abians to back the governor, whom he described as a leader with impeccable integrity.
Earlier, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Chibuzo Opoko, and Emma Okorie of Living Word Ministry prayed for the success of the forthcoming governorship election.
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