In a bold display of political confidence, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has thrown what amounts to an open invitation to opposition parties ahead of the 2027 Governorship election, declaring that anyone seeking to campaign in the State is free to do so once the required fees are paid.
Speaking during activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, Otti said his Government would not stop any opposition Party from using public venues for political campaigns.
“We welcome competition from opposition in Abia State. Any opposition Party is free to apply for any location they want in Abia State for campaign, as long as they pay the required fee. Once you pay, I will make the venue available for you. It is now left for the people of Abia State to decide who they want to follow,” the Governor said.
The statement, which has since gone viral, captures the political swagger with which Otti is entering the build-up to 2027. The man who stunned the old political order in 2023 in Abia is no longer sounding like a candidate fighting for acceptance. He is now sounding like an incumbent daring his opponents to test their strength before the people.
For his supporters, Otti’s confidence is anchored on what they describe as visible transformation, especially in Aba, the Commercial Capital of the State. His administration has been commissioning roads in batches, with recent activities seeing him inaugurate several roads in Aba while also flagging off new projects.
The Government claims to have delivered more than 800 kilometres of roads, involving about 414 projects, within three years. It also points to improved waste management, better security and a renewed sense of order in Aba as evidence that the State is moving in a new direction.
Many residents and supporters insist that Aba now feels different — cleaner, more functional, more secure and more alive than it had been in previous years.
However, the opposition, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other critics, has continued to question some of the figures being put forward by the Government. They have demanded independent verification of the road projects and accused the administration of overstating its achievements.
Yet, despite the criticisms, the political momentum on the ground appears to favour the incumbent. Leaders of the Labour Party have thrown their weight behind Otti’s second-term bid, openly endorsing him, purchasing his nomination forms and granting him a waiver from the Party’s screening process.
The message from his Party is unmistakable: Otti, in their view, has earned the right to continue.
That is what makes his open challenge to the opposition even more significant. By saying that any Party can apply for venues, pay the required fee and campaign anywhere in Abia, Otti is projecting a sharp break from the old politics of alleged intimidation, exclusion and gatekeeping.
In effect, the Governor is telling his rivals that his work is his campaign.
His message is simple: bring your best case before the people, and let Abians decide.
Whether this confidence is justified or drifting toward overconfidence will become clearer as the 2027 race gathers steam. But for now, Otti appears to be walking like a man who believes the election is already his to lose.
With solidarity rallies by unions in Aba, weekly project commissioning, endorsements from his Party and growing public attention around his performance record, the Governor is clearly enjoying the political temperature.
His latest statement suggests that the era of blocking opponents from campaigning in Abia is over. In its place, he is projecting a new political mood built around performance, confidence and an open dare to the opposition.
For Otti, the challenge is now before his rivals: pay for the venue, mount the stage, present your case and allow Abia people to choose.
Abia 2027 is already heating up, and the man in power appears more than ready for the contest.