Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has formally flagged off the Labour Party’s 2027 governorship campaign, calling on Abians to renew his mandate for another four years to consolidate the achievements of his administration and sustain the development of the state.

Otti made the appeal at the Umuahia Township Stadium during the formal flag-off of the Labour Party’s governorship campaign, alongside his running mate, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu.

Addressing party faithful and supporters, the Governor described the 2027 election as a defining moment in Abia’s political journey, stressing that the state had moved from years of governance challenges to a new phase of restoration, institutional reforms and development.

He said the administration’s next phase would focus on consolidating existing achievements, institutionalising excellence, accountability and professionalism in public service, as well as positioning Abia for emerging economic opportunities.

Highlighting his administration’s scorecard, Otti disclosed that over 400 road projects covering more than 1,000 kilometres had been completed, while 82 projects spanning over 200 kilometres were ongoing.

He cited the reconstruction of previously abandoned roads, including Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Obohia and Ohanku roads, as well as major projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, as evidence of his government’s commitment to inclusive development.

The Governor also listed interventions in healthcare, education, security, urban renewal, power, agriculture, industrial development, digital economy and youth empowerment among the administration’s achievements.

On education, he disclosed that more than 9,000 teachers had been recruited into public primary and secondary schools, alongside investments in smart schools and the rehabilitation of existing educational facilities.

Otti said his administration had also strengthened healthcare delivery, improved public transportation, supported small and medium-scale enterprises and expanded opportunities for women and vulnerable groups.

He urged Labour Party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election, insisting that electoral victory would depend on collective commitment and effective participation at polling units.

He further called for the election of Labour Party candidates into the three senatorial seats, eight House of Representatives positions and 24 State Constituencies, describing the forthcoming election as an opportunity to consolidate development across all levels of governance.

In a notable message to opposition parties, the Governor congratulated candidates who emerged through their respective party selection processes and assured them of a level playing field.

He reiterated that opposition parties would not be denied access to public facilities for legitimate campaign activities, provided they obtained the necessary approvals. He also warned against political intimidation, obstruction of lawful campaigns and destruction of campaign materials.

Otti, however, challenged opposition candidates to focus their campaigns on manifestoes, policies and development alternatives rather than personal attacks, arguing that Abia’s political discourse had moved beyond the traditional campaign promises of salary payments, pension settlements and road construction.

He maintained that his administration’s performance had repositioned the state in citizens’ satisfaction, education, healthcare preparedness and fiscal governance assessments.

Recalling the 12-year journey of the political movement, the Governor paid tribute to departed members whose sacrifices and commitment contributed to the emergence of the New Abia project, describing their memories as enduring reminders of service, resilience and collective responsibility.

He called on supporters to take the campaign to every community and household, urging Abians to participate actively in the electoral process.

The Governor expressed confidence that, with the support of the electorate, he and his deputy would secure another four-year mandate to deepen reforms, strengthen public institutions and sustain the development trajectory of Abia State.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed the state Commissioner for Information to work with officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to identify suitable office accommodation for the Ministry in the state.

Otti gave the directive on Tuesday when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to him at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The Governor assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to support federal institutions operating in Abia, stressing that his government’s inclusive policy made no distinction between indigenes and non-indigenes or between federal and state projects.

According to him, the benefits of government policies and development initiatives ultimately accrue to the people living in the state, regardless of their places of origin.

“We don’t discriminate between federal agencies and state agencies, neither do we discriminate between federal projects and state projects, because, at the end of the day, the beneficiaries are indigenes and those living in the state,” Otti said.

He added that his administration considered everyone residing in Abia as belonging to the state.

“We also do not have non-indigenes and indigenes. The policy does not work here. Everybody who lives here is from here, and that is the way it should be,” he stated.

Otti expressed confidence that the request for office accommodation would be addressed, noting that his administration had previously supported s

everal federal institutions in the state.

He assured the delegation that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would receive similar consideration, adding that the state government would do its best to facilitate the Ministry’s operations and improve its effectiveness.

The Governor also thanked the delegation for recognising his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development and governance, describing the commendation as encouragement to sustain ongoing development efforts.

He congratulated Ukaire on her recent appointment as Permanent Secretary and urged the Federal Ministry to continue supporting Abia State.

Earlier, Ukaire expressed appreciation to the Governor for his goodwill and support following her appointment to the federal position.

She pledged to carry out her responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and dedication, while commending the Otti administration for its achievements across various sectors of the state’s economy.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the Governor’s emphasis on competence, fairness and inclusiveness reflected a commitment to effective governance and sustainable development.

She appealed to the state government to provide suitable office accommodation for the Federal Information Centre in Abia to enhance its operational efficiency and improve service delivery.

Ukaire also called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Abia State Government, particularly in strategic communication, public enlightenment and the dissemination of development-oriented information.

In her remarks, the Head of the Federal Information Centre, Umuahia, Mrs Gloria Abiakam, thanked the Governor for his continued support for federal establishments in the state.

Abiakam commended Otti’s leadership and inclusive approach to governance, noting that his administration had recorded achievements in critical sectors, including health, education, road infrastructure and other areas of the state’s economy.

Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu,
FIC Umuahia.
28th October 2026.

 Abia State is gearing up to welcome its citizens living abroad for the Abia Diaspora Global Homecoming, scheduled to take place from December 18 to 21, 2026.

The four-day event aims to deepen connections between the state and its diaspora, unlock key investment opportunities, and leverage international expertise for sustainable local development.

​Unveiling the plans during a press conference in Umuahia, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Ambassador Annie Onu, highlighted that the initiative will serve as a powerful bridge for collaboration, business partnerships, and knowledge transfer.

​“The Abia Diaspora Global Homecoming is an opportunity for Abians living abroad to return home, witness the progress being made in the state, and contribute their knowledge, skills, and resources to its development,” Rev. Dr. Onu stated. “Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora have heard about the achievements of the present administration, and they are coming in their numbers to see the progress for themselves.”

The global gathering will feature a diverse lineup of interactive sessions, economic showcases, and strategic meetings designed to maximize impact across key sectors:

• ​December 18 – Solidarity Walk & Local Market Integration: Activities kick off with a solidarity walk, followed by interactive sessions with local content providers, organic farmers, and entrepreneurs. The aim is to showcase locally produced goods, foster business exchanges, and identify Abia-made products with international export potential.

​December 21 – Executive Governor’s Grand Finale: The event culminates in an interactive session with the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. Diaspora participants will discuss strategic collaborations, present innovation ideas, and explore key infrastructural and development projects.

​​Rev. Dr. Onu emphasized that Abians worldwide possess immense expertise and are eager to contribute to their homeland’s progress. She added that improved regional air connectivity and infrastructure would further catalyze economic activities, tourism, and international trade links for Abia.

​Furthermore, the Abia State Diaspora Commission reiterated its ongoing commitment to protecting the welfare of Abians abroad, supporting their educational needs, and establishing international commission chapters to keep citizens abroad permanently connected to home.

​Calling on residents across the state to extend a warm reception to the returning indigenes, Rev. Dr. Onu underscored that the event’s ultimate success relies on collective unity:

​“The Commission is committed to ensuring the welfare of Abians living abroad and strengthening the relationship between the State and its citizens in the diaspora. I urge our brothers and sisters at home to prepare to receive their returning compatriots warmly, interact with them, and exchange ideas that can promote community development and the overall progress of Abia State.”

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