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Abia political leaders under the platform of the Abia Council of Traditional Prime Ministers have formally adopted Governor Alex Otti as their only governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The decision was announced after the council’s quarterly meeting held on Tuesday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The leaders also passed a vote of confidence in the governor, citing his performance in office since he assumed leadership of the state.
In a communiqué signed by the council’s President, Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu, and presented by Chief Okeosisi Harbour, the group said its resolution was based on what it described as visible development across major cities in the state.
The council noted that Otti inherited severe challenges when he took office but has been able to introduce wide reforms in infrastructure and governance.
The leaders said the transformation of Aba and Umuahia influenced their collective stance. According to them, both cities now reflect modern urban planning and improved public services.
The statement reads, “We want to assure the governor that in 2027, the traditional prime ministers in Abia State, who are the grasses that generate the roots, will work for his re-election.
“Today, Aba in particular has grown from its old glory into an ultra-modern city in the area of roads and infrastructure, electricity, promotion of commerce, security and overall development.
“Also, Umuahia as a metropolitan city has been transformed into an ultra-modern city that can compete with any state capital in West Africa under the watch of Governor Alex Otti.
“The Umuahia ultra-modern bus terminal, which is 95 per cent ready for commissioning, is a wonder centre that we have never witnessed east of the Niger.
“The electricity programme, which the Otti administration is soon floating, is 99 per cent ready for the takeover of electricity distribution in the state. It is worthy of welcome. There is also regular payment of salaries of public servants in Abia State and pensions.”
The council further praised the governor for improving the welfare of traditional rulers in the state. It said the increment in their status and allowances by more than 300 percent showed respect for traditional institutions.
Members of the council urged the governor not to relent in addressing their welfare and maintaining peace across communities. They stressed that their support was not based on political party loyalty but on performance.
“That we are solidly behind him and we have adopted him as our lone governorship candidate. Irrespective of party affiliation, this organisation is non-partisan. But because of his wonderful performance, we have gone beyond the partisan line to adopt him so that there will be continuity.
“The opposition has nothing to offer the Abia people. He has done well and we want him to do better. We are solidly behind him and there is nothing that will happen,” the group maintained.
However, the council also called on other traditional prime ministers in Abia who are yet to join the body to become members in order to strengthen unity and collective decision-making among traditional institutions.
