Abia government: Otti’s ‘write your will’ remark figurative

The Abia state government says Alex Otti’s recent warning has been deliberately taken out of context. 

Speaking on Thursday during a monthly meeting with journalists at the government house in Umuahia, the governor asked politicians scheming to rig the 2027 governorship election in the state to abandon their plans.

“I have heard that some people around him say, ‘Oh, they must take over this state, they must write results’,” he said.

“But the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time.

“You know what it is? Their will.”

In a statement signed by Okey Kanu, commissioner for information, the government said the remark was a figurative expression on the governor’s commitment to electoral integrity and the rule of law.

Kanu said Otti’s position aligns with the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which criminalise result falsification and uphold the people’s right to choose their leaders.

He said the governor’s message was not a threat but “a lawful, democratic warning” to those who might seek to undermine the will of the people.

“Governor Otti’s statement underscores his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Abia remains a model for free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement reads.

He added that since taking office, Otti has maintained a peaceful, law-abiding approach to governance, preferring legal and institutional redress over intimidation or political vendetta.

“Not a single person has been unlawfully or politically detained since May 29, 2023,” Kanu said.

“This reflects the governor’s faith in justice, dialogue, and constitutionalism as the true tools of leadership.”

The commissioner said Otti’s philosophy of governance is built on justice, accountability, and respect for due process, adding that the administration is determined to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms under Section 39(1) of the constitution.

“The era of electoral malpractice and subversion of the people’s will is over,” he added.

“Under Governor Otti’s leadership, Abia is building a democratic culture founded on transparency and integrity.”