Traditional rulers in Abia State, numbering about 500, have endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, declaring that he remains their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The royal fathers said their endorsement was based on the governor’s widely acknowledged performance in office and the principle that a governor who has performed creditably deserves the opportunity to complete a second term.
Endorsement Based on Developmental Strides
The monarchs stressed that their position was not intended to disqualify aspirants from other political parties but was informed by Otti’s developmental strides and the need to ensure continuity of ongoing projects and programmes across the state. According to the monarchs, re-electing Otti would guarantee the completion of critical infrastructure and development initiatives already embarked upon by his administration, expressing concern that a successor might abandon or fail to sustain them.
Statewide Grassroots Sensitisation Tour
The endorsement followed a statewide grassroots sensitisation and project inspection tour undertaken by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, led by its Chairman, Eze Linus Nto Mba. The tour covered communities across the 17 local government areas, enabling the traditional rulers to inspect completed and ongoing projects, interact with residents, and mobilise eligible voters to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Collective Views of the Grassroots
Speaking on behalf of the council, Eze Nto Mba said the consultation exercise involved traditional rulers and community leaders across the state and reflected the collective views of the grassroots. He said: “This endorsement followed a statewide sensitisation and mobilisation tour undertaken by the enlarged Executive Committee of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, comprising principal officers and chairmen of the 17 Local Government Traditional Rulers Councils. The tour was aimed at consulting traditional rulers across the state and mobilising grassroots participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise, particularly encouraging eligible citizens to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards.”
Unanimous Resolution
He added that, following the extensive consultations and in line with traditional customs and institutions, the council unanimously resolved to endorse Governor Otti for re-election in 2027. The endorsement was jointly signed by Eze Linus Nto Mba, State Chairman; Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, First Deputy Chairman; Eze Franklin Nwosu, Second Deputy Chairman; and Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Third Deputy Chairman.
Call for Democratic Process
The monarchs also cautioned politicians aspiring to the governorship against employing unlawful or undemocratic means to influence the 2027 electoral process, urging all stakeholders to respect the will of the people. “In our collective assessment, we have seen the remarkable turnaround and transformational achievements recorded under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti over the past three years. This forms the basis of our endorsement and continued support,” the traditional rulers stated.
