The Abia State Government has dismissed what it described as “deliberate misinterpretations” of Governor Alex Otti’s recent remarks on electoral integrity, insisting that the statement aligns with constitutional and legal principles safeguarding democracy.
The clarification was contained in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following reactions to comments made by Governor Otti during the October edition of his monthly media parley tagged “Governor Alex Otti Speaks”.
According to the statement, the Governor’s advice that those planning to “write election results” in future elections should “first write their wills” was not a threat or a call to violence, but rather “a figurative expression underscoring his administration’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the sanctity of the ballot and the protection of the people’s mandate”.
Prince Kanu stated that the Governor’s message “aligns perfectly with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees that sovereignty belongs to the people and that government derives its authority from their consent”.
He further noted that the statement “resonates with the Electoral Act, 2022, particularly Section 128, which criminalises result falsification and prescribes penalties for any attempt to manipulate the electoral process”.
The Commissioner explained that Governor Otti’s warning was “a lawful, democratic caution to those who may contemplate undermining the will of the people,” stressing that it was intended to remind political actors that “every action has legal consequences under the Constitution and the Electoral Act”.
Prince Kanu described Governor Otti as “a man of peace who firmly believes in the supremacy of the law and democratic due process”.
He emphasised that since assuming office, the Governor had chosen the path of legality and institutional redress “over Gestapo-style intimidation or extra-legal tactics against perceived political opponents; notably, since May 29, 2023, not a single person has been unlawfully or politically detained under his watch,” the statement said.
The Commissioner added that Governor Otti has continued to exhibit “unshakeable faith in justice, dialogue, and constitutionalism as the true instruments of leadership in a civilised society”.
Prince Kanu noted that Governor Otti’s position reflects his broader philosophy of governance, “one grounded in justice, accountability, and respect for due process,” adding that the Governor has consistently maintained that Abia is now a state governed by laws, not by intimidation, political thuggery, or manipulation.
He urged members of the public, political stakeholders, and civil society groups to interpret the Governor’s remarks within their rightful constitutional and legal context.
He reiterated the present administration’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and inclusive governance while upholding the rule of law as “the cornerstone of a thriving democracy”.
The statement also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Abians as guaranteed by Section 39(1) of the Constitution, “provided such expression promotes peace, truth, and the collective interest of society”.
Prince Kanu pointed out that “the era of electoral malpractice and subversion of the people’s will is over. Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, Abia is building a new democratic culture founded on transparency, integrity, and genuine service to the people”.
