Arochukwu-born cleric, Rev Samson Elekwa, has declared that he would not be surprised if Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, fails to secure re-election in 2027, citing what he described as growing dissatisfaction across communities and deepening concerns over governance style.
Speaking at a leadership conference on Saturday, Elekwa warned that the unfolding crisis within the Labour Party, combined with what he termed Otti’s persistent attacks on his predecessors, could weaken the governor’s political standing ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“The signs are already there, and I will not be surprised if Governor Otti is not returned in 2027,” Elekwa said. “The crisis in his party, the unnecessary focus on past administrations, and the lack of transparency in governance are issues that should worry any serious leader.”
The cleric further alleged that several communities across the state had become increasingly polarised under the current administration, noting that such divisions could translate into electoral consequences. According to him, “Those communities that have felt sidelined or divided by the actions of this government are already making up their minds. Politics is local, and alienation has consequences.”
Elekwa also cautioned against what he described as “dangerous overconfidence” within the governor’s camp, stressing that political complacency has historically led to unexpected defeats. “Overconfidence can bring down any leader. If he does not retrace his steps, 2027 may deliver a shock,” he warned.
He pointed to the presence of seasoned politicians across opposition platforms such as the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and African Democratic Congress, arguing that a potential coalition could pose a formidable challenge to the incumbent.
“If the APC, PDP, and ADC get their acts together and present a united front, I do not see Otti returning in 2027,” Elekwa asserted. “Experience matters in governance, and from what we are seeing, the governor does not appear to have enough experienced hands around him.”
