The traditional institution in Abia State has thrown its weight behind Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, with over 500 traditional rulers across the state unanimously endorsing him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement followed a statewide sensitisation and mobilisation tour conducted by the enlarged Executive Committee of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, which included principal officers and chairmen of the 17 Local Government Traditional Rulers Councils.
The monarchs said the exercise was aimed at consulting traditional rulers across the state while encouraging grassroots participation in the ongoing voter registration process and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Announcing the decision on behalf of the council, the Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mba, said the endorsement was the outcome of extensive consultations and a collective assessment of the governor’s performance over the last three years.
“The over 500 Traditional Rulers in Abia State have unanimously endorsed and adopted Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the incumbent Governor of Abia State, as our sole candidate for the 2027 Governorship election,” he stated.
According to him, the decision reflects the confidence traditional rulers have in the governor’s leadership and the visible transformation witnessed across the state since he assumed office.
“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 as the basis for our endorsement and continued support,” Eze Mba said.
The council chairman noted that the endorsement was formally conveyed on behalf of all traditional rulers in the state and was supported by the council’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd deputy chairmen.
In a press release by the Monarchs on Saturday, they urged eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process by registering and obtaining their PVCs, stressing that voter participation remains critical to sustaining democratic governance.
They further cautioned political actors against actions capable of undermining the democratic process.
“We wish to caution individuals aspiring to the office of Governor who may contemplate employing unlawful or unconventional means to influence the electoral process to desist from such actions and respect the democratic will of the people of Abia State,” the statement reads.
The endorsement is expected to further strengthen Governor Otti’s political standing ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as traditional rulers remain influential stakeholders in grassroots mobilisation and community development across the state.
The statement was jointly signed by the State Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mba, alongside the 1st Deputy Chairman, HRM Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, 2nd Deputy Chairman, HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu, and 3rd Deputy Chairman, HRM Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu.
(The Whistler)
