More than 500 traditional rulers in Abia State have unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as the remarkable transformation and developmental strides recorded under his administration.
The endorsement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Dr Linus Nto Mba, alongside the First, Second and Third Deputy Chairmen of the Council, on behalf of the entire Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.
The statement followed a statewide sensitisation and mobilisation tour undertaken by the Council’s enlarged Executive Committee.
Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman AbIa State Traditional Rulers Council
According to the monarchs, the tour, which involved principal officers of the council and chairmen of the 17 Local Government Traditional Rulers Councils, was aimed at consulting traditional rulers across the state and encouraging grassroots participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The traditional rulers said the exercise focused on mobilising eligible citizens to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.
The monarchs said their decision followed extensive consultations across the state and reflected the collective position of traditional institutions in Abia.
The royal fathers attributed their endorsement to what they described as Governor Otti’s performance in office over the past 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.
“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”, the statement added.
The council also used the occasion to caution political aspirants against engaging in 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 monarchs said.
The traditional rulers also reiterated their commitment to supporting voter education and participation, stressing the importance of ensuring that eligible citizens register and collect their PVCs as part of efforts to deepen democratic governance in Abia State.
