By Uzoma Isiakpu—
At least two significant issues arose during the March 2026 edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.” These can be considered matters stemming from the media interactive session between Governor Alex Otti and journalists.
The first was that the Abia State Governor finally put to rest widespread speculation regarding his potential defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphatically stated that he would not be leaving the Labour Party (LP), the platform on which he was elected. He ruled out the possibility of joining any other political party for the present, or in the foreseeable future.
By implication, Governor Alex Otti intends to stand for re-election in the 2027 governorship election under the Labour Party (LP) banner. This clarification vindicates his two principal media aides – Ferdinand Ekeoma and Onyebuchi Ememanka – who had previously asserted that their boss would never defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In separate articles, Ekeoma and Ememanka maintained that Governor Alex Otti was not considering a move to the APC, despite attempts at cajoling, intimidation and blackmail by party stalwarts within the state.
The pair insisted that Governor Otti enjoys an excellent rapport with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. To demonstrate the long-standing cordial relationship between the President and the Abia State Governor, they highlighted recent high-level engagements initiated by the presidency.
To be frank, Governor Alex Otti’s decision not to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a wise political judgement. The reason is clear. Given the pervasive acrimony, animosity, hostility and strained relationship between members of the APC and LP in the state, defecting to the ‘Broom Party’ would have been political suicide. The relationship is currently too fractured to be comfortable.
The second issue was Governor Otti’s declaration of full support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s second term ambition. According to the Governor, his support for the President’s re-election in 2027 is based on his own pursuit of a second term in office. In essence, Governor Otti believes it would be improper for him to obstruct the President’s path. While it is commendable for Governor Otti to uphold principles of good conduct, he should recognise that this declaration places a significant burden upon him.
This affirmation of support for President Bola Tinubu means that Governor Otti and the Labour Party (LP) in the state will actively campaign for the APC presidential candidate in the 16 January 2027 presidential election, regardless of whether the Labour Party fields its own candidate. Consequently, the Labour Party’s campaign machinery in Abia State will have a dual role to play in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
On the one hand, the Director General of the Labour Party (LP) and their campaign team will strive to persuade the Abia electorate to vote for President Bola Tinubu. On the other hand, they will simultaneously seek the support of eligible voters for their own party’s Senate and House of Representatives candidates in the same election. This is undoubtedly a challenging situation to navigate.
Whatever the case, Governor Alex Otti has made this commitment. And coming from the state’s chief executive, it must be taken seriously. Therefore, the Governor must do everything within his power to ensure that his declaration of support translates into securing Abia State for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The presidency is keenly awaiting and observing the outcome of this pledge. Only when Mr. President emerges victorious in the state will Governor Otti be seen to have fulfilled the obligation he has undertaken. Can he deliver? The next nine months will tell.
*Isiakpu is a Public Relations Consultant.
