Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed confidence that Abia State Governor Alex Otti could consider joining the PDP as he prepares for a potential second-term bid.
Speaking on Sunday in Umuahia after the launch of the Abia 25-Year Development Plan, Wabara said the PDP would not hesitate to offer Otti its governorship ticket in 2027 should he defect, describing the governor as a valuable asset to any political party.
“If he decides to join the Big Umbrella, the party will gladly present him as its candidate in 2027,” Wabara said, noting that Otti’s achievements in office have drawn attention from multiple parties.
He explained that the interest in Otti stems from his strong governance record, which could enhance his prospects in the upcoming elections. Wabara also highlighted efforts by the PDP’s National Working Committee, led by Senator Tanimu Turaki, to reposition and rebrand the party, making it a credible platform for aspirants in Abia State and nationwide.
The BoT chairman emphasized that the South-East remains a traditional PDP stronghold and that Otti’s potential defection would bolster the party’s influence in the zone.
Commending the governor for unveiling the Abia 25-Year Development Plan, Wabara described it as a roadmap for building “a new and greater Abia.” He also praised Otti’s accomplishments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, industry, and security, noting that electric buses procured for urban mass transit would ease residents’ daily challenges.
“As an elder statesman, I must acknowledge good governance, regardless of party affiliation,” Wabara said. “Abians are now witnessing progress firsthand, and effective leadership should not be overshadowed by partisan politics.”
He recalled praising Otti earlier for rehabilitating the long-neglected Port Harcourt Road in Aba, a move initially criticized but later vindicated.
Wabara urged Otti to consider joining the PDP, especially given leadership challenges within the Labour Party. He stated, “By 2027, the governor will need a stronger platform like the PDP, which has the national reach and capacity to withstand political pressures from the ruling party.”
The PDP governed Abia State from 1999 to 2015, before the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over. In 2023, Otti of the Labour Party won the governorship, ending years of PDP and APC dominance. Since taking office in May 2023, Otti has focused on infrastructure renewal, public sector reforms, and fiscal discipline, attracting attention beyond his party lines.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, speculation about political realignments in Abia has grown, with opposition parties seeking to strengthen their platforms amid internal leadership tensions in the Labour Party.
