Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term for 2027

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term; Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chris Akomas Chukwu, has thrown his weight behind Governor Alex Otti’s bid for a second term in 2027, describing his performance so far as deserving of continuity. His endorsement adds a notable voice to the growing list of supporters rallying around the governor ahead of the next election cycle.

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In a move that’s already stirring political conversations across Abia State, former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu has openly declared his support for Governor Alex Otti’s second-term bid. The development follows a private meeting between the two leaders—a meeting that now appears to mark more than just a courtesy call.

Oko Chukwu, who served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for eight years, also previously held the position of Speaker in the Abia State House of Assembly. His political base in Abia North remains significant, and his influence within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) makes this meeting with the Labour Party (LP) governor a noteworthy signal of changing alliances.

A Quiet Meeting With Loud Implications

Sources confirmed that the meeting was held behind closed doors, without media presence, at the Government House in Umuahia. However, the aftermath was anything but quiet. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Oko Chukwu was direct about the purpose of his visit: support and recognition.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term; 

“I came to thank the governor for his efforts so far in transforming the state,” Chukwu said. “This is not about politics or propaganda. I came to appreciate his work in infrastructure, the economy, and how he’s cleaned up Abia cities that were once a mess.”

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term: These words, coming from a senior figure within the former PDP administration, highlight a broader political undercurrent in Abia—one where opposition party members are now publicly acknowledging Otti’s performance.

Endorsement With a Hint of More to Come

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term, In a particularly telling statement, Oko Chukwu said, “Going by what he has done so far, you will discover that, without mincing words, he has earned himself another tenure.” That sentence alone, delivered without hesitation, serves as a clear endorsement for Governor Otti’s second term in 2027.

When pressed further about whether he would officially decamp from PDP to join the Labour Party or any other political movement in alignment with Otti, Chukwu was measured but open.

“They are doing realignments. It is also likely that some of us will also join them in doing realignments,” he added.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term, That carefully phrased statement points to ongoing discussions and potential power shifts ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend in the Southeast, where individual performance is beginning to outweigh party loyalty in voter sentiment and elite political calculations.

Why This Meeting Matters

Political realignments are not new in Abia or Nigerian politics. But what makes this moment significant is timing and credibility. Ude Oko Chukwu is not just another party member—he is a former second-in-command of the state, with both administrative experience and regional political leverage.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term By praising Otti’s achievements in economic reform and urban renewal, Chukwu is not only endorsing a governor from a rival party but also subtly critiquing the failings of the previous PDP-led government under which he served.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term ; In particular, his comments about “cleaning up Abia cities” speak to Otti’s sweeping environmental policies, including improved waste management, sanitation, and the beautification of major urban centers like Umuahia and Aba—issues that were flashpoints of frustration under the former administration.

Otti’s Governance Style Is Winning Converts

Since taking office in 2023, Governor Otti has taken an aggressively reformist approach. He has prioritized:

• Infrastructure development, with visible road projects across the state.

• Fiscal discipline, eliminating ghost workers and plugging revenue leaks.

• Environmental reform, focusing on cleanliness, drainage, and public space restoration.

These priorities have earned him accolades from civil society groups and growing public support. What’s now becoming clear is that political elites, even from opposition camps, are taking note—and some are ready to publicly align with his vision.

PDP’s Weakening Hold?

Oko Chukwu’s statements are a reflection of a broader reality: the PDP is losing ground in Abia. Internal divisions, poor public perception of the previous administration, and the rise of reform-oriented leadership in Otti have made it increasingly difficult for the PDP to mount a cohesive challenge.

If a high-profile defection like Oko Chukwu’s does eventually happen, it may trigger a cascade of similar moves from other PDP chieftains who feel the tide is turning and want to remain relevant in the state’s power structure.

2027: Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term Otti’s;  Second Term Looks More Likely

Though it’s still two years away, the 2027 governorship race in Abia is already taking shape. Governor Otti has not formally declared his intention to seek re-election, but endorsements like Chukwu’s send a clear message that his political capital is growing.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term It also sends a warning to potential opponents: even well-established figures in other parties are ready to support Otti—not out of loyalty, but based on performance.

In a state where political promises often go unfulfilled, the value of visible progress cannot be overstated. Otti’s strategy appears to be: let the results speak for themselves—and it’s working.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term; What Happens Next?

For now, Oko Chukwu has stopped short of officially joining the Labour Party. But his praise for the governor, coupled with his openness to future “realignments,” suggests that discussions are already underway behind the scenes.

If he does move, it could consolidate Labour Party’s hold on Abia North and shift the balance of power more decisively ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ex-Abia Deputy Gov (Chukwu) Backs Otti for Second Term: Whether this realignment remains symbolic or becomes structural, it’s clear that the political map of Abia is being redrawn—and Alex Otti is currently holding the pen.