PDP Eyes Otti as Abia Re-election Candidate in 2027

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has said he expects Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Governor Otti is currently the only Labour Party (LP) governor in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Wabara described Otti as a valuable political figure whose performance in office has attracted attention across party lines. He said the PDP would be willing to present Otti as its governorship candidate if he defects from the Labour Party.

Wabara linked the growing interest in the Abia governor to what he described as measurable achievements since Otti assumed office. He pointed to the launch of the Abia 25-Year Development Plan, which he said provides a long-term framework for the state’s development.

The PDP BoT chairman also cited progress in infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, as well as improvements in healthcare, education, industry and security. He commended the state government’s introduction of electric buses for urban mass transit, noting that the initiative could reduce transportation costs for residents.

According to Wabara, acknowledging good governance should not be limited by party affiliation. He said his public praise of Otti’s projects, including the Port Harcourt Road reconstruction, was based on performance rather than politics.

He added that visible changes across the state have encouraged Abia indigenes to reconnect with their home communities.

Wabara urged the governor to consider joining the PDP, citing internal leadership disputes within the Labour Party and arguing that the PDP’s national structure would offer a stronger platform ahead of the 2027 elections. He maintained that the Southeast remains a core support base for the PDP and said Otti’s entry would strengthen the party’s position in the region.

The former Senate President also disclosed that PDP elders are working to reposition the party under the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee as part of preparations for the next general elections.

On national politics, Wabara warned against the emergence of a one-party system and called for cooperation among political actors to protect democratic balance. He praised the House of Representatives for approving mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

He expressed confidence that the PDP would regain lost ground, predicting the return of former members and internal challenges within the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of 2027.