Governor Alex Otti has emerged as the Labour Party's governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Abia State following the party's primary election conducted across the state on Saturday.
The exercise, which also produced candidates for the National Assembly and the Abia State House of Assembly, was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and independent observers.
Announcing the results at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the Labour Party's National Organising Secretary and Returning Officer, Mrs. Opara, declared Otti winner of the governorship primary after polling 368,230 votes in the direct primary election.
She said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the party's constitution and INEC guidelines.
For the Senate, the party elected Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as its candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Darlington Nwokocha for Abia Central, and Chief David Ogba Onuoha for Abia North.
The party also produced candidates for the House of Representatives seats across the state. They include Obi Aguocha for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe for Isiala Ngwa North/South, Amobi Ogah for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Alex Ikwechegh for Aba North/Aba South, Ibe Okwara Osonwa for Arochukwu/Ohafia, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso for Bende, Ugochukwu Adinigwe for Ukwa East/West, and Wambu Chiemela for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo.
Candidates also emerged for the 24 seats in the Abia State House of Assembly during the exercise.
Speaking after receiving the party's nomination, Otti described the primary election as peaceful and transparent, saying the emergence of candidates marked the beginning of the next phase of political engagement ahead of the general election.
According to him, party candidates must now focus on mobilising support beyond party members and reaching out to the wider electorate.
"The job has just started. Election is a contest, and now that you have become candidates, you must begin the work required to win.
"If you look at the turnout for these primaries, you will discover that the number is about twice the total votes we secured during the last election. Beyond party members, there are many other people we must engage and convince to support our candidates," the governor said.
Otti commended members of the primary election committee, INEC officials and party leaders for ensuring a smooth process, noting that disagreements that could have disrupted the exercise were resolved ahead of the polls.
He said the absence of violence and rancour during the primaries reflected the unity within the party.
"I accept this nomination because there is still much work to be done for Abia people and for Nigeria. I am particularly pleased with the orderly manner in which the election was conducted," he added.
Presenting the Certificate of Return to the governor, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Chief Acho Obioma, expressed confidence that Otti would build on the achievements of his administration.
He said the governor's performance had earned him widespread support among Abians and positioned the party strongly ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Earlier, Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, participated in the primary election at their ward in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.Suggested headline alternatives.
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