Chuks Omesie: Governor Alex Otti’s re-election in 2027 will be unopposed

The re-election of Governor Alex Otti in 2027 will not be an election in the ordinary sense, it will be an act of appreciation. Appreciation to Almighty God for using him as a vessel, and appreciation to the man himself for proving that governance can truly serve the people.

Yesterday, social media was once again awash with a lazy piece of fake news claiming that Governor Otti had defected to the APC. Of course, we know the architects of such fabrications, the same circle of defeated politicians still nursing political hangovers from 2023. Like empty barrels, they make the loudest noise, desperate to be noticed. But Governor Otti, grounded and focused, has no time for their distractions.

From all indications, Abia has no real opposition. What we see are fragments of expired political merchants still trying to sell expired goods in a new market. In 2027, Abians will not be voting out of obligation; they will be voting out of gratitude. The people will return Otti to office with pride, an overwhelming endorsement of his performance and integrity.

Just yesterday, a friend called me from the United States after reading online that Governor Otti attended my child’s dedication ceremony. He was full of praise for Otti’s humility and development strides. He said, “Chuks, I hope Abia people will all unite to vote for this man again in 2027, so he can finish what he started.” He then asked why people like Hon. Ben Kalu, the Deputy Speaker, keep jumping around the stage seeking attention, and whether the Abia APC might be plotting to “do something funny” in the next election.

I laughed and told him plainly: there is no opposition in Abia. What you hear are echoes of political irrelevance trying to stay alive. Governor Otti will likely go into 2027 unopposed, not by declaration, but by reality.

Let’s be honest, even Ben Kalu himself knows he’s no match for Otti. He’s not even a strong factor in his own Abia North, let alone the entire state. His political project is not to win power, but to win party funds. All his noise is just a prelude to 2027, when he’ll be waiting to “receive” the APC’s campaign funds, complete with warehouses for noodles and rice. The plan is simple: form a fake coalition, pocket the money, and later blame “SenatorvOrji Kalu or Hon. Onyejeocha interference” for the inevitable loss.

Those of us who understand Abia politics know that Ben Kalu is no opposition figure. Opposition used to mean something in this state. When people like Alex Otti and Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah stood firm against corrupt regimes, even after being rigged out in 2015 and 2019. They went back to their businesses, continued building their legacies, and never gave up on Abia. That kind of opposition was powered by conviction, not by the hunger for rice and indomie.

Hon. Ben Kalu, on the other hand, has no serious business outside politics. Before Orji Uzor Kalu handed him a ticket, he could barely sustain a visible career. When 2027 comes, and he faces political retirement, his only option will be to start selling off the little he’s gathered: another casualty of “federal might gone wrong.”

As for Obinna Oriaku and his ilk, following them politically is like falling in love with a chronic gambler at a betting shop, your fate depends on whether his ticket wins. Anyone aligning with such career politicians should prepare for heartbreak and political bankruptcy.

So I told my friend not to worry: Abians are wiser now. The days when lies, rice, and noodles could buy votes are gone. The people have tasted good governance, transparency, and accountability.

In 2027, the ballot will not just speak, it will sing. It will be a song of gratitude to a man who brought light to Abia after years of darkness.

Governor Alex Otti’s re-election will not be a contest, it will be a celebration. Nti Odikwa!

Chuks Omesie Alias Chuks Digits writes from Aba, Abia State.