TheCable

Alex Otti, the 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia, has declared his intention to run again in 2019.

Otti on Friday said he is seeking election as governor to restore Abia to the path of growth and socio-economic development.

“I have decided to contest again for the governor of the state because the Pharaohs of Abia must be forced to let Abians go free,” he said.

Otti debunked the rumour that APGA had two factions, saying it was sponsored by enemies of the party and Abia.

He said the mandate given to him in 2015 was stolen, and appealed to the electorate, especially the youth, to rise to the challenge and defend their vote in 2019.

Otti said: “You all should rise to defend your vote. This is a collective responsibility. When you do your bit and we do our own bit, it will be impossible for anyone to rig the election.”

The former banker said the outcome of the governorship election in Ekiti showed that it had become difficult for anybody to rig elections in Nigeria.

He said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has improved on the electoral process and has made it difficult for anybody to rig elections again.”

Otti also criticised the Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration, saying it had been unable to address the infrastructure deficit in Abia and ensure regular payment of pensions and salaries.