Alex Otti Retains Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu as Running Mate, Flags Off 2027 Re-Election Campaign
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced his decision to retain Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu as his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Otti made the announcement on Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the Labour Party’s 2027 campaign flag-off ceremony held at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The governor said his decision to seek another four-year mandate was aimed at consolidating the achievements of his administration and expanding development across different sectors of the state.
According to him, his proposed second term would focus on moving Abia from what he described as a rescue phase to a period of consolidation through policies, investments and partnerships designed to reposition the state for emerging economic opportunities.
Inviting Abians to support his re-election bid, Otti said he and Emetu had presented themselves as the Labour Party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the next election.
He also urged political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, policies and manifestoes rather than personal attacks.
On political inclusiveness, the governor reiterated his directive that opposition parties should not be prevented from using public facilities, including the stadium, provided they obtain the necessary approvals and meet the stipulated requirements.
Addressing security agencies, Otti stressed that nobody had his authorisation to attack political opponents or disrupt the legitimate campaign activities of other parties.
He further directed security operatives to take action against anyone attempting to obstruct political groups from carrying out lawful activities.
The governor also reviewed his administration’s activities across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic development, expressing confidence that another mandate would allow his government to build on the progress recorded so far.
Speaking at the event, Labour Party State Chairman, Peter Azubuike, declared the party’s readiness to contest and win elections across Abia State.
Earlier, prayers were offered for the success of the forthcoming election during an interdenominational church service featuring the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Chibuzo Opoko, and Emma Okorie of Living Word Ministry.
The Labour Party National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, was represented by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Nuhu Mohammed, who described the gathering as an event aimed at strengthening support for Otti’s re-election bid.
The campaign flag-off marks the beginning of the Labour Party’s mobilisation activities across Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
