The Abia State Government has dismissed viral claims suggesting that Governor Alex Otti issued a threat ahead of the 2027 elections, clarifying that his recent “write your will” remark was purely figurative and not meant to intimidate or incite.
Governor Otti had stirred controversy during a media parley last Thursday when he warned political actors allegedly planning to rig the next governorship poll to rethink their strategy. What got tongues wagging, however, was his choice of words:
“If they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time. You know what it is? Their will.”
Social media picked up the comment, with many interpreting it as a veiled threat, but the Abia Government says that’s a serious misreading of the governor’s intent.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the government made it clear that Governor Otti’s remark was simply an emphatic way of underscoring his zero tolerance for election malpractice.
“It was a figurative expression of the governor’s commitment to electoral integrity and the rule of law,” Kanu said.
He added that Otti’s administration has consistently championed peaceful, lawful governance; and that no one has been unlawfully detained or politically harassed since the governor assumed office in May 2023.
According to Kanu, the governor’s views are grounded in the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which criminalize electoral fraud and emphasize citizens’ right to choose their leaders.
“This administration will continue to uphold justice, accountability, and constitutional democracy,” the statement read.
Kanu also noted that Otti’s leadership is based on dialogue, due process, and respect for human rights, especially under Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and participation.
“The era of writing results behind closed doors is over in Abia,” he said. “This is not a threat, it is a democratic stance.”
