In a dramatic twist that reveals deep anxiety over his political future, Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti is said to be frantically lobbying the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defect from the Labour Party and join the ruling party before the 2027 general elections.
Credible sources close to the Presidential Villa have told our correspondent that Governor Otti, sensing a powerful wave of political realignment against him in Abia State, is deeply afraid of losing his bid for re-election.
The governor is reportedly rattled by recent developments, including a surprising unity among former governors and key political figures from the state championed by former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who appear determined to challenge Otti.
The sources disclosed that Governor Otti has been in Abuja recently, making quiet efforts to lobby certain presidential aides and other influential figures linked to the Villa. However, they insist the door has firmly shut on any such move.
“The door is shut for him, I can confirm authoritatively,” one high-placed source said. “The president no longer wants him in the APC. He is relying on the former governors there, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji, and former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Don’t forget that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is also from Abia State.”
The source added that in his initial approach, Governor Otti had sought to take over the entire party structure in the state without following due process or showing respect for existing leaders.
“With the unity now in the party, the president is comfortable trusting these established leaders in Abia,” the source explained.
Another insider revealed that the governor was truly shaken by events during the last festive season, when Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who is his kinsman from Arochukwu, and other former governors came together with the clear aim of removing him from office.
“The governor was rattled by that gathering. You could see his reaction: he started visiting churches more often, his aides were issuing statements daily, and top bloggers plus influencers were hired to attack Senator Kalu. It was a clear panic move.”
The source noted that Governor Otti had long viewed Senator Kalu as a close friend, brother from the same Aro community, and even his former personal banker.
“He never believed Senator Kalu would personally come after him. Both have always won elections strongly in their Aro village, but now they seem politically separated. The governor is worried because he lacks real grassroots politicians standing with him at the moment.
“All the major political heavyweights in Abia are now united behind the state APC leadership under Kingsley Ononogbu, including figures like Emenike, a development that has pleased the president greatly. The only notable exception is Uche Ogah, who remains fully aligned with the Labour Party due to an alleged succession agreement with Governor Otti,” the source further added.
Political observers say this desperate lobbying effort stems directly from the governor’s fear that the growing opposition coalition comprising former governors, the Deputy Speaker, and other influential Abia indigenes could make his re-election in 2027 extremely difficult, if not impossible, without a major shift in alliances.
Governor Otti has so far not commented publicly on these latest reports. Efforts to reach his media team for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.