By Gabriel Ameh
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has formally launched his re-election campaign, declaring that the state will not return to what he described as the era of bad governance and political irresponsibility.
Otti made the declaration on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, where thousands of Labour Party supporters from the 17 local government areas gathered for the campaign flag-off.
Addressing supporters, the governor said his administration had ended years of political hardship and intimidation, insisting that Abia had made significant progress since the Labour Party came to power in 2023.
He recalled his unsuccessful attempts to lead the state in 2015 and 2019, describing his eventual victory in 2023 as a turning point in Abia’s political history.
“Never shall we go back to the era of irresponsibility. Nothing will make us go back to Egypt,” Otti declared.
The governor also promised to protect the gains of his administration through stronger institutions, transparency and policies designed to sustain ongoing reforms beyond his tenure.
Unveiling the administration’s proposed direction for another four years, Otti said its campaign manifesto, titled ‘The New Abia: From Rescue to Consolidation’, would focus on strengthening existing achievements and eliminating what he described as mediocrity in governance.
Highlighting his administration’s performance, the governor disclosed that approximately 400 road projects covering more than 1,000 kilometres had been completed across the state.
He cited projects including Port Harcourt Road, Oboha Road and Ohanku Road in Aba, as well as Arochukwu Road, describing them as examples of infrastructure previously considered difficult to rehabilitate.
On education, Otti said his government had employed more than 9,000 teachers and established smart schools in several communities across Abia.
He also highlighted investments in primary healthcare, Abia State University, Uturu, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, industrial revival, small businesses and agriculture.
According to him, the administration’s interventions have helped restore the confidence and dignity of residents while creating opportunities for wider participation in the state’s development.
In a message that appeared to emphasise political tolerance, Otti extended goodwill to candidates of other political parties, acknowledging that democratic competition and freedom of political choice must be protected.
He consequently directed state officials to make public facilities available to political parties and candidates seeking to use them for campaign activities, provided they meet the required fees and regulations.
The governor also urged Labour Party supporters to focus their campaigns on policies, development records and issues affecting residents rather than intimidation, political violence or electoral misconduct.
Otti called on Abians to support the Labour Party in the forthcoming general elections, saying another four years would allow his administration to consolidate its achievements and institutionalise reforms across the state.
