2027 Showdown in Abia: Ex-Governors Unite to Unseat Otti in Battle for State's Soul

 

Abia State is bracing for a high-stakes political showdown as the 2027 governorship election approaches. What began as verbal jabs between former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and incumbent Governor Alex Otti has snowballed into a full-scale confrontation, pitting a formidable coalition of ex-governors and their allies against Otti and his supporters. The battle is increasingly described as one for the very soul of Abia—pitting the "old guard" desperate to reclaim influence against a governor backed by widespread public support for his reform agenda.

The spark ignited when Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), a former governor (1999–2007), publicly declared that Otti's backing was unnecessary for President Bola Tinubu to win Abia in 2027. Kalu has repeatedly claimed Otti is merely "repainting" projects from his own era and vowed Otti would be a one-term governor. This escalated when Kalu, alongside former Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji (2007–2015) and ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (2015–2023), formed an alliance. The group has met in Umuahia, issued communiqués, and even explored legal actions—such as suing Otti over operating government functions from his private residence rather than the official Government House in Umuahia.

Their stated aim: to deliver Abia to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, ending Otti's tenure and halting the "new dawn" he promised under the Labour Party. Critics view this as a cartel of influence protecting entrenched interests, especially as Otti's administration has pursued aggressive reforms in infrastructure, security, and governance—often contrasting sharply with perceptions of past leadership.

Otti has dismissed the moves as "empty noise" and "chasing shadows." His aides argue the ex-governors are unsettled by his visible progress and haunted by their own legacies. Otti has warned that no individual or group can distract his focus on delivering for Abians, insisting the people—not political cabals—will decide in 2027. He remains firmly in the Labour Party, though he noted "nobody knows tomorrow" amid speculation about potential defections or alignments.

Support for Otti remains robust in some quarters. The Abia State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has endorsed his re-election, passed a vote of confidence in his performance, and rejected the ex-governors' threats. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and other groups have similarly pledged to mobilize for him, citing unmatched delivery on promises.

As alliances harden— with APC figures like Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also urging Otti to join the ruling party—the stage is set for a fierce contest. Will the old order reclaim control, or will Otti's grassroots momentum and reform record secure a second term? Abians will ultimately decide, but the rhetoric and maneuvers signal one of the most intense political battles in the state's recent history.

The coming months promise more verbal fireworks, legal skirmishes, and strategic realignments as 2027 draws nearer. For now, Abia remains a battleground where past power meets present progress in a fight for its future.