Governor Alex Otti has said he would not be seeking re-election if he had already completed all the work he set out to do in Abia State, making it clear that his decision to pursue a second term is driven by what he described as unfinished work.
Otti made the remark at his country home in Nvosi, located in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, during a 10,000-man solidarity march organised in his support by stakeholders from the area. The event was convened by Dannie Ubani, who contested under the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.
According to the governor, if his administration had already fulfilled its core mission, there would be no reason to return for another term. He said there is still a lot of work to be done in his government’s broader effort to transform the state and deliver on its promises to the people.
“If I had finished the work that I came to do, I wouldn’t be seeking a second term,” Otti said. “If this administration had completed its mission, there would have been no need to seek re-election. But there is still significant work to be done in this administration’s quest to transform the state.”
While speaking on the political atmosphere in the state, Otti acknowledged that opposition is a normal and necessary part of democracy. However, he criticised what he described as certain opposition figures engaging in “politics of witchcraft,” accusing them of refusing to recognise visible progress made by his administration.
He also downplayed threats from political opponents, describing them as insignificant elements that, according to him, do not represent up to five percent of the state’s population.
The governor maintained that opposition would be more useful if it focused on meaningful criticism — such as pointing out areas where his administration can improve — rather than denying achievements that are evident to the public.
He used the occasion to thank supporters for their continued backing and also commended Dannie Ubani for organising the rally, which he described as a major show of confidence in his leadership.
In his own remarks, Ubani said the solidarity march was put together to publicly demonstrate support for Governor Otti and highlight what he called the governor’s achievements so far in office. He also declared his firm support for Otti’s expected re-election bid in 2027.
Politically, Otti’s statement is important because it moves him from governance language into campaign positioning. He is not just saying “I want a second term”; he is framing it as a continuation of a mission not yet completed.
That kind of message can resonate well with supporters — but it also raises the pressure on his administration to clearly show what has been done, what remains unfinished, and why four years will not be enough.