By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers has unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Chairman of the Council, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, announced the endorsement while speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting between members of the council and the governor on Tuesday at Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Information, Divine Nwankwo, the monarch said the decision was based on the governor’s performance across key sectors of the state’s economy within less than three years in office.
Eze Mbah noted that Governor Otti had redefined governance in the state, stressing that past governors, irrespective of their performance, served two terms of eight years.
“We want to encourage him. Come 2027, all traditional rulers are behind him. Other governors did eight years each, whether they performed or not. Why should his be different?” he said.
The monarch emphasized that the traditional institution would give the governor full support to ensure his re-election, adding that the endorsement reflects the collective will of the royal fathers across the state.
He explained that the visit was also to appreciate the governor for his developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and road construction, which he described as commendable.
“You can see the roads—so many roads. We came to say, ‘Governor, thank you. We have seen what you are doing; keep it up.’ Traditional rulers in Abia are very happy and grateful,” he added.
Eze Mbah further praised the governor’s efforts in enhancing security of lives and property, noting that the traditional institution takes pride in his achievements.
Other prominent traditional rulers present at the meeting included the First Deputy Chairman, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa; the Second Deputy Chairman, Eze Franklyn Nwosu; and the Third Deputy Chairman, Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, among others.
