The National leadership of the Accord Party has declared support for the re-election of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, in 2027 citing what it described as his impressive developmental strides across key sectors of the state’s economy.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, during a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee.
Prof Imumolen said the decision to support Otti transcended partisan considerations, stressing that governance should prioritise development and the welfare of the people above political affiliations.
“For me, development is beyond party line. Once there is development, once there is progress, it’s important that opposition should acknowledge. Opposition should not only be there to criticise, but should also appreciate good leadership.
“So we are here today to appreciate the Governor, to thank him for what he is doing, and to also stand with him.
“We know election is drawing closer, and we are saying that if he has done this much, we believe that as a party we should stand with him, we should fight with him, and ensure that there is continuity, even after 2027,” he said.
Prof Imumolen added that the party was unequivocal in its support for the Governor Otti’s second-term bid, and noted that the best way to appreciate the governor’s leadership was to support his return for a second term.
He further pledged that his party would work closely with Governor Otti, and align with his leadership and direction in Abia.
“We are giving support to him (Govenor Otti) in Accord, Abia State, because he has done so well as a Governor. And the only way we can appreciate beyond words is to see that we support his candidacy.
“So we have said that we will support and work with the governor and that is our word, and we are standing with the governor, 100 per cent”, Imumolen stated.
Also, the National Secretary of the Accord Party, Malam Mukhtar Abdallah, disclosed that the party would not field a governorship candidate in Abia State in the 2027 election, and directed its state chapter to align with the Labour Party.
“On behalf of our party, I want to assure you that no candidate would be contesting in Abia State.
“The National has directed the state executive of the party to join hands with the Labour Party and work for the good of the people of Abia State. Let the good work continue”, he said.
Also speaking virtually, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, commended the Accord Party’s stance, describing it as a rare demonstration of political maturity.
Senator Usman expressed optimism that such cooperation among political actors would strengthen democracy and improve governance outcomes.
“Opposition believes that once you are in opposition, it means even when the ruling party is doing well, you must criticise for criticising sake.
“So for Accord Party now to come, not just with criticisms, but to appreciate the good work you are doing for the people of Abia State, honestly, it’s a welcome relief.
“It gladdened my heart to hear that nobody would be contesting from Accord Party. Sincerely, we are verygrateful”, she said.
Contributing, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Mr Acho Obioma, described the visit as a testament to the achievements of the Otti-led administration.
According to him, the governor has projected Abia positively through purposeful leadership and people-oriented governance.
He said that the governor remained open to working with individuals and groups willing to contribute to the development of the state.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the Accord Party leadership for its support and emphasised that the essence of politics should be centred on the welfare and security of the people.
“The whole essence of politics is about the welfare and security of our people.
“It’s in politics that people see it as an anathema to say the truth. So you see something that is working and you pretend that you are not seeing it, or you may lie that it’s not working.
“But then, the whole essence of politics is about the welfare of the people. If I saw somebody who would do this job better than me, I would quit and let the person continue, because that’s what it’s about”, Governor Otti said.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with like-minded political stakeholders at both state and national levels to advance development in Abia.
