Abia 2027: Otti's Support for Tinubu and the Labour Party's Future
With less than 10 months remaining until the general elections, Abia State has become a focal point of intense political activity. The state is witnessing a clash between the incumbent Labour Party (LP) government and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a highly anticipated electoral battle. Across Nigeria, no other region is generating as much political intrigue as Abia, with the situation in this self-proclaimed 'God's Own State' drawing significant attention throughout the South-East.
Political Realignments and Rivalries
In the lead-up to the Easter holidays, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly authorized Dr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu to leave the National Assembly and pursue the APC governorship ticket. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Governor Alex Chioma Otti, who has resisted pressure to defect from the Labour Party to the APC. The political dynamics in Abia are further complicated by the involvement of former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, and Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. These former PDP strongmen have now aligned with the APC to contest against Otti, who previously navigated through APGA and APC before securing victory under the LP banner in the last election.
Governor Otti recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, despite the defection of the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Otti emphasized that his affiliation with LP was not based on Obi's influence, noting his prior unsuccessful gubernatorial bids. However, observers suggest that Otti may be adopting a strategy similar to that of Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who utilized APGA to secure a second term in office.
Defection Pressures and Party Loyalty
During efforts to foster Southern solidarity within the APC, Governor Otti reportedly declined invitations to defect, unlike his Enugu State counterpart, Mr. Peter Mbah, who received praise from President Tinubu for his private sector expertise. In January 2025, Tinubu acknowledged both Mbah and Otti as personal friends, despite their opposition party affiliations. Eight months later, Mbah's defection to the APC fueled speculation that Otti would soon follow, but the Abia governor remained steadfast.
APC stakeholders from Abia, including Rep Sam Onuigbo, former Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu, and Deputy Speaker Dr. Benjamin Kalu, made concerted efforts to persuade Otti to join the ruling party. However, Otti insisted on resolving the LP leadership crisis, which pits former national chairman Julius Abure against a National Caretaker Committee established by Obi and other party leaders. In response to Otti's refusal, Deputy Speaker Kalu declared his intention to ensure that the APC secures the governorship in the 2027 election.
Infrastructure and Governance Disputes
The political rivalry has extended to infrastructure projects, particularly the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot-Ekpene Trunk A road. With support from his cousin, Minister of Works David Umahi, Governor Otti initiated construction on this key federal road to enhance his infrastructure credentials. The Abia State Government justified the intervention by citing safety concerns due to the road's poor condition. However, APC leaders, including former lawmaker Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, disputed claims that the road had been neglected by previous APC-led federal administrations.
A Federal Ministry of Works official, Chidi Uwaeziozi, clarified that the project remains under federal jurisdiction, with Hartland Construction Company nearing completion of Phase One. Uwaeziozi emphasized that rehabilitation efforts date back to 2016, facilitated by former lawmaker Sam Onuigbo. In defense of its performance, the Abia State Government released a list of 112 projects undertaken since May 2023, with 76 completed and 36 in progress, positioning this as a response to APC criticisms.
Electoral Prospects and Campaign Dynamics
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Deputy Speaker Dr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is emerging as a likely APC candidate, setting up a direct contest with Governor Otti. Both camps express support for President Tinubu's anticipated re-election bid, with Otti stating that he does not oppose Tinubu's second-term ambition while seeking his own re-election. The key division lies in voter alignment for National Assembly and gubernatorial races.
The APC may field candidates such as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Sir Sam Onuigbo, while Otti's camp is bolstered by Dr. David Ogba Onuoha-Bourdex, founder of Bourdex Telecoms. Onuoha-Bourdex, who previously challenged the PDP in 2015, is seen as a potential contender against Orji Kalu in the Abia North senatorial race. The rivalry has escalated into a war of words, with Onuoha-Bourdex criticizing Kalu's tenure and emphasizing the contrast with Otti's administration. He asserted that the 2027 election will be a contest of performance over rhetoric, where governance visibility and accountability will be paramount.
Economic and Administrative Criticisms
The APC, through state chairman Chijioke Chukwu, has criticized the LP government for allegedly failing to justify increased revenue inflows. Chukwu highlighted issues such as the Government House operating from a private residence and lingering salary arrears for workers. He compared Otti's administration with that of former Governor Ikpeazu, noting that under Ikpeazu, monthly revenue averaged between N3 billion and N4.2 billion, with a wage bill of N2.8 billion. In contrast, Abia's current quarterly revenue averages N60 billion, with salaries accounting for about N9 billion, leaving a significant portion for development. Chukwu questioned whether the allocation of less than 30% to capital projects reflects satisfactory performance.
As the political landscape evolves, the interplay between Otti's support for Tinubu, internal party dynamics, and voter sentiment will critically determine the Labour Party's survival and the outcome of the 2027 elections in Abia State.
