EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
It was a memorable homecoming for Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, as he stormed Obingwa East, popularly known as Agalaba, for the Labour Party Governorship Campaign Rally.
At Ntighauzor South Primary School, both Governor Otti and stakeholders from Obingwa East acknowledged that the votes freely given to him by the people in the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections were stolen, thus denying him the opportunity to serve the state at the time.
However, the reassuring message from the well-attended and highly mobilised rally was that those responsible for the electoral injustice are no longer in positions of authority to repeat such acts. Interestingly, some of the individuals previously associated with that political camp have since retraced their steps and joined the Governor’s political family.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Otti recounted his early childhood experiences and upbringing in Obingwa, particularly in Owoahiafor and Onicha-Ngwa. It would be recalled that his late father, Pastor Lazarus Otti, was a Seventh-day Adventist pastor who was frequently posted to different communities for missionary assignments, often moving with his young family. As a child, the Governor lived with his parents in Owoahiafor and Onicha-Ngwa at different periods, establishing a personal and historical connection with the area.
The Governor, who had earlier commissioned the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze-Ntighauzor-Obete-Ukwu-Oberete-Akirika-Obu Road, assured the people of his administration’s continued commitment to addressing the developmental challenges facing Obingwa East. He pledged to do even more if re-elected for a second term, urging the people to sustain their support for the Labour Party.
Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects in Obingwa and across Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Otti also welcomed new entrants into the Labour Party, led by Barr. Emeka Enmereji, a businessman and former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of Abia State.
Also speaking at the rally, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, assured Governor Otti and the Labour Party leadership of total victory in the 2027 elections. He anchored his optimism on the Governor’s impressive performance and the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia State.
Senator Abaribe commended Governor Otti for providing the purposeful leadership and development that, according to him, had eluded the state before his emergence as Governor. He maintained that the administration’s achievements had strengthened the people’s confidence in its leadership and justified the call for continuity.
The Obingwa East (Agalaba) rally also provided an opportunity for other Labour Party candidates and prominent stakeholders to address the people and reaffirm their commitment to the party’s electoral victory. Among them were the party’s candidate for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunabo Federal Constituency, Dr. Okey Nwambu; the candidate for Obingwa East State Constituency, Hon. Seth Kelechi Ebere; the Director-General of the Abia State Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu; and the Labour Party State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike.
The rally was a strong demonstration of political solidarity, renewed confidence and the determination of Obingwa East stakeholders to stand firmly behind Governor Otti and all Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.