LP 2027 Campaign: Otti Demands Grassroots Coordination, Issue-Based Approach

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, charging its members to work with party structures and stakeholders at the grassroots to mobilise support from the polling-unit level.

Governor Otti gave the charge on Monday, October 5, 2026, while inaugurating the council at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

He described the appointment of council members as a call to service and not an avenue for anyone to assume superiority over others, urging them to see themselves as “best among equals” and work collectively toward the party’s objectives.

The Governor said political campaigns in Nigeria remain structured around political parties, noting that independent candidacy is not currently allowed.

He therefore directed all support groups associated with the Labour Party, including Abia Arise and campaign councils established by individual candidates, to work in coordination with the party and other stakeholders.

“Candidates must work with the leadership of the party and other stakeholders to achieve the objectives,” Governor Otti said.
He added: “You must work with the party’s pro-groups. The leadership for this campaign goes beyond people sitting here. Everybody is involved.”

Governor Otti also directed candidates to constitute their own campaign councils, explaining that such structures would complement the state campaign council and strengthen mobilisation across the state.

According to him, while the State Campaign Council would provide overall coordination, candidates and grassroots structures must take responsibility for mobilising support in their respective constituencies, wards and polling units.

The Governor further charged the council to run an issue-based campaign, saying the approach should differ from the 2023 election campaign.

He said while the 2023 campaign was largely characterised by promises, the 2027 campaign should focus more on issues, achievements and programmes that directly affect the people.

Governor Otti also cautioned members against being distracted by opposition propaganda, urging them to remain focused and effectively communicate the party’s message.

On security, the Governor said his administration had provided a peaceful and open environment for political activities and warned that violence would not be tolerated.
“If you get involved in political violence, you are on your own,” he warned.

“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” the Governor added.

He said security agencies had been directed to provide a level playing field for political parties and candidates to campaign freely without intimidation or violence.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the Campaign Council would be complemented by a Campaign Advisory Council to be chaired by former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu.

He urged members of the campaign council to return to their wards and local government areas and build effective grassroots structures from the polling-unit level.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated council, its Director-General, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, assured the Governor that members would work diligently to meet and exceed expectations.

Agwu described the assignment as a call to service, saying the campaign would focus on consolidating the achievements of the Otti administration and building what he described as a stronger future for Abia State.

Also speaking, the Director of Publicity and Spokesman of the council, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, said members would work collectively to deliver on their mandate.

Ememanka described Governor Otti as a “marketable” candidate, saying the council’s responsibility was to provide the institutional support and framework for the campaign.
“His Excellency is a good product to sell. We know that His Excellency is going to be re-elected; ours is just to provide institutional support and framework to carry out the campaigns,” he said.

“There is no space for violence. The campaigns will be issue-based. We shall resist any attempt to drag us down to that level. We shall run an issue-based campaign that reflects the personality of His Excellency,” Ememanka added.

The newly inaugurated Campaign Council is chaired by Governor Otti, with Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu as Vice Chairman.
Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu is the Director-General, while Dr. Eric Egwuibe, Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili, Mr. Kelechi Nwaiwu, SAN, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Dr. Christian Anokwuru, AIG Arungwa Nwazue (Rtd.), Mrs. Helen Ego Okorie and Mr. Chizaram Philip Akpulonu serve as Directors of Finance, Strategy/Planning, Legal, Publicity, Special Duties, Security, Women Affairs and Youth Affairs respectively.

The council also has zonal coordinators for Abia Central, Abia North and Abia South, as well as coordinators for the various state constituencies across the three senatorial zones.

The constituency coordinators include Mr. Innocent Eleogu for Ikwuano; Dr. Obioma Orji for Isiala Ngwa North; Hon. Dannie Ubani for Isiala Ngwa South; Mr. Emmanuel Maduforo Ufomba for Osisioma North; Mr. Innocent Enyinnaya Anyanwu for Osisioma South; Col. Emeka Chilaka (Rtd.) for Umuahia Central; Chief Okey Onyemuwa for Umuahia East; Dr. Aham Uko for Umuahia North; and Hon. Jerry Uzosike for Umuahia South.
Others are Mr. Ikerionwu Okarimie for Bende South; Mr. Silas Eke for Bende North; Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo for Isuikwuato; Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi for Ohafia North; Mr. Kalu Ukwu Uduma for Ohafia South; Mr. Kingsley C. Uchechukwu for Umunneochi; Chief Shaka Dimgba Obasi for Aba Central; Mr. George Ezikpe Okeiyi for Aba North; Mr. Chidi Onyendi for Aba South; Mr. Ndubisi Obioha Christopher for Obingwa East; Mr. Jap Nnamdi Onwunali for Obingwa West; Dr. Temple Nwosu for Ugwunagbo; Hon. Paul Taribo for Ukwa East; Hon. Ralph Egbu for Ukwa West; and Chief Okezie Azuma for Arochukwu.