BREAKING: The Ukwa La Ngwa people of Abia State have donated ₦100 million to purchase the nomination form for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
#AbiaState #AlexOtti #NigeriaPolitics #2027Election

Labour Party Hails Peter Obi’s Defection to ADC as ‘Blessing,’ Apologises to Nigerians for 2023 Ticket

The Labour Party has described Peter Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation” and a “blessing” for the party. In a statement on December 31, 2025, signed by National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, the party also apologised to Nigerians for presenting what it termed an “unfitting” presidential candidate in 2023.

The statement blamed Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for internal party crises, accusing them of fostering an insurrection against the party’s leadership. It noted that Obi’s defection event in Enugu was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional figures and suggested this signals the end of his future presidential or vice-presidential ambitions.

The Labour Party further accused Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, resulting in political marginalisation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party pledged to present a rebranded Labour Party with a candidate capable of restoring Nigeria to its “glorious days.”

Abia Governor Alex Otti Confirms Peter Obi’s Plan to Quit Labour Party but Rules Out Defection, Says He Will “Continue the Struggle” to Rescue LP

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi plans to leave the Labour Party (LP), a development that has intensified speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, Otti disclosed that Obi personally informed him of his decision to exit the party, adding that he gave him his blessings. However, Otti firmly dismissed claims that he would defect alongside Obi, insisting that he remains committed to the Labour Party “for now” and will continue efforts to reform and reposition it.
The governor stressed that his political journey with the LP predates Obi’s entry into the party and that the platform remains the one that brought him to power. He said only a failure to rescue and restructure the party would force discussions about alternative options, ruling out any immediate defection. Otti also rejected overtures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including calls from Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, saying he would not be distracted from governance. While confirming Obi’s planned exit, Otti declined to reveal the party the former Anambra governor intends to join, amid reports linking Obi to an opposition coalition believed to be adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its vehicle for the 2027 elections.

I will quit politics after my governorship.

~ Alex Otti says

My Visit To Nnamdi Kanu Was For Peace, Not Political Ambition — Abia Governor Alex Otti Responds To Viral Video Criticism

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has dismissed claims that his visit to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Sokoto was driven by political ambition, insisting it was purely aimed at promoting peace and dialogue. Speaking at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving the Abia Diaspora Commission and the Global Medical Mission 2025 team, Otti said democracy allows for differing opinions but stressed that his actions were motivated by stability in Abia State and the South-East. Responding to criticism from a viral video, the governor reiterated his earlier declaration that he would retire from public office after completing his tenure. His comments followed controversy surrounding Kanu’s life sentence on terrorism-related charges and his transfer from DSS custody in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Facility, a move condemned by Kanu’s legal team.

BREAKING: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Prison Amid Appeal, Sowore Commends Cleric

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at Sokoto Correctional Centre. Kanu, convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, was transferred from Kuje Prison. His detention has sparked legal motions seeking transfer back to Abuja to facilitate his appeal. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore commended Bishop Kukah for his visit, emphasizing its symbolic solidarity. Previous visits were also made by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

Abia Court Sentence Only Son to Death by Hanging For Allegedly Stealing Phone in Igbere

—Father Alleges Son Was Framed Over Land Dispute, Appeals to Governor Otti

A High Court sitting in the Igbere Judicial Division of Abia State in 2020 sentenced Mr. Obadiah Mbaonu, the only son of his parents, to death by hanging over allegations of armed robbery involving ‘mobile phones’

The judgment was delivered by Justice Agwu Umah Kalu, who found the defendant guilty.

Speaking recently, the convict’s father, Mr. Mbaonu O. Mbaonu of Ibinaukwu, Igbere, Bende Local Government Area, appealed to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, to intervene, insisting that his only son was wrongly convicted and framed due to a longstanding land dispute.

“My son is Innocent, he was framed up”

Court documents obtained by Promise Uzoma Okoro show that the case, Charge No. HIG/1C/2017, originated from the arrest of Mr. Mbaonu in January 1, 2017, when he was about 20 years old, and his subsequent arraignment .

The prosecution alleged that on January 1, 2017, at Igbere, the defendant, while allegedly armed with a gun, robbed Engineer Kalu I. Kalu of a Nokia Lumia phone valued at ₦120,000 and a Huawei MT7-TL10 phone valued at $600. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on October 12, 2017.

During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered four exhibits, including a Huawei phone allegedly recovered from the defendant,

In his 2020 judgment, Justice Kalu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and pronounced the mandatory sentence, stating:

“I wish I had the powers to pronounce another sentence on the convict other than death… The sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”

Following the judgment, Mr. Mbaonu was transferred from Afara Correctional Centre, Umuahia, to Enugu Correctional Facility. His family alleges that the case file has remained missing since the transfer.

Five years after the judgment, the father continues to seek justice, appealing to Governor Alex Otti to review the case using his constitutional powers, insisting that the conviction was the product of a personal vendetta arising from a land dispute.

JUST IN: Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has approved the appointment of Dr Emmanuel Meribole, as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG)

Sokoto Government Denies Gov Aliyu Joined Alex Otti to Visit Nnamdi Kanu in Prison

The Sokoto State Government has refuted social media claims that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti to visit detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Aliyu’s spokesman clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia performing Lesser Hajj on November 30, 2025—the same day Otti privately visited Sokoto.

Officials confirmed that Otti was only received by commissioners and aides at the airport, who later escorted him to the Government House for standard courtesy protocols. The Sokoto Government emphasized its commitment to peace, rule of law, and national unity, while distancing Aliyu from the speculation surrounding Otti’s widely discussed visit to Kanu.

Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a fresh motion requesting a transfer from Sokoto Prison, arguing that his detention hinders his ability to appeal his conviction effectively.

JUST IN: The Sokoto State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Alex Otti, during a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

Sokoto Govt Denies Governor Aliyu Joined Alex Otti’s Visit to Nnamdi Kanu in Custodial Centre

The Sokoto State government has refuted reports claiming Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti during his private visit to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Governor Aliyu’s spokesperson clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj on the date of Otti’s visit. The government explained that only commissioners and Special Advisers received Otti as a matter of protocol. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and political tension surrounding Otti’s interaction with the detained separatist leader, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.

Otti Visits IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu In Sokoto Prison Facility

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has visited the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at a correctional facility in Sokoto State.

Governor Otti was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesman, officials of the Sokoto State Government were also present during the visit.

#AlexOtti #NnamdiKanu #AbiaState #NigeriaNews

Gunmen Attack Advance Team of Abia Governor Alex Otti in Imo, No Casualties Reported



Gunmen on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, opened fire on an advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State. The three-member team was heading to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred near the airport junction. No injuries or casualties were recorded. According to a statement by Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s main convoy was not involved and was far from the area at the time. The government urged the public to disregard false rumours of an attack on the governor. Security agencies have since been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators.

No Casualties as Gunmen Attack Abia Governor Otti’s Advance Team in Imo

An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.
Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, just arrived in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting.

I’ve Activated Strategy To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release — Gov Otti
Otti, who criticized the authorities for their initial mishandling of IPOB grievances, called for peace and emphasized that political solutions would be leveraged to resolve the matter permanently.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that steps are underway to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Gov Otti Sends Warning to Those Planning to Rig 2027 Abia Governorship Election.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned against attempts to manipulate the 2027 gubernatorial election results.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor cautioned those planning to rig the election to “write their wills” first.

Otti’s remarks came in response to comments attributed to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would take over Abia in 2027.

While acknowledging Kalu’s right to contest the election, Otti emphasised that all candidates must play by the rules.

“I’ve heard some people say they must take over this state and manipulate results.

“My advice is simple, if they truly want to write results, they should first write their wills. That’s their choice,” he said.

Describing Kalu as a friend and younger brother, the governor added that he had forgiven him for past criticisms of his administration, stressing the need to maintain peace and decorum in Abia.

Otti also used the platform to reaffirm that he has no intention of joining the APC and remains a committed member of the Labour Party.

“They Ignored My Calls” — Sowore Reveals Otti and Soludo’s Silence Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that his attempts to reach Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were unsuccessful.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Sowore said he reached out to the two Southeast governors as part of his efforts to rally key political leaders to unite in demanding Kanu’s release — but neither took his calls nor responded to his messages.

“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi through his team today.
Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” Sowore wrote.



The activist and Sahara Reporters publisher added that while Otti and Soludo remained silent, he was able to connect with Hon. Obi Aguocha, a federal lawmaker from Abia State, who responded positively to his appeal for joint action.

Sowore also mentioned that he reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him and other national leaders to join the collective call for Kanu’s unconditional release.

His statement has since sparked intense debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the political unity and responsiveness of Southeast leaders regarding Kanu’s continued incarceration.

Governor Otti Drags Lawyer to Court, Demands N100bn for Calling Him ‘Otthief’.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has taken legal action against a former commissioner and lawyer, Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, demanding N100 billion in damages for allegedly defaming him on Facebook.

The governor, through his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), said Chikamnayo made a series of malicious posts where he repeatedly referred to him as “Otthief” and accused him of corruption.

Otti insisted the statements were false and targeted at tarnishing his image.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, the Senior Advocate warned that the governor’s reputation has been “brutally destroyed” by the defamatory remarks.

The publications was shared between August and September, carried captions such as “Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster!” and “Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!”

Ajala noted that the governor has never been convicted or indicted by any court, stressing that Otti’s long-standing reputation as a respected banker and former Diamond Bank Chief Executive remains intact. He said the posts caused “mental torture, depression, and denigration” to his client.

Governor Otti is demanding a full retraction of the posts, a public apology on Facebook and in four national newspapers, as well as a written undertaking by Chikamnayo to desist from further attacks.

However, the SAN warned that if the lawyer fails to comply within seven days, the governor will proceed to court to enforce his demands.

US-based Councilman Junior Ezeonu urges Southeastern Nigerians to demand good governance from their governors instead of blaming outsiders. Says Alex Otti is the only SE governor showing real leadership.
#Nigeria #GoodGovernance #Southeast