The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has signalled its readiness to offer Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election, should he decide to defect.
The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, made this known while speaking on the political future of the Abia governor and the party’s plans ahead of the next general elections.
Wabara said the PDP would gladly welcome Otti and immediately back him for a second term, describing the governor as a strong political figure whose performance has drawn admiration beyond party lines.
“If he makes up his mind to join the Big Umbrella, the party will not hesitate to give him the governorship ticket in 2027,” Wabara said.
He spoke on Sunday in Umuahia after the Abia State Government unveiled its 25-Year Development Plan, an event that brought together political leaders, stakeholders and development partners.
According to Wabara, Otti’s governance record has made him attractive to several political parties, stressing that competence and results now matter more than party labels.
He said the interest being shown in the governor across different political platforms is a direct reflection of his achievements in office.
The former Senate President also stated that the PDP is undergoing a repositioning process aimed at restoring confidence in the party ahead of 2027.
He noted that the party’s leadership at the national level is working to rebuild structures and present a more credible platform for aspirants.
Wabara added that the South-East remains a traditional base for the PDP and that Otti’s possible defection would significantly strengthen the party’s standing in the zone.
He said the PDP is determined to attract progressive and performance-driven politicians who can help revive the party’s influence both in Abia State and nationally.
Commending the Abia 25-Year Development Plan, Wabara described it as a long-term vision that could transform the state if properly implemented.
He praised the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education reform, industrial growth and security improvement.
He also highlighted the introduction of electric buses for urban transportation, saying the initiative would reduce hardship and improve mobility for residents.
“As an elder statesman and stakeholder in Abia politics, I have a moral obligation to acknowledge performance, irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.
Wabara noted that many Abians are now eager to return home to see the changes for themselves, insisting that good governance should rise above partisan considerations.
He further stated that Otti has restored Abia State to the development path envisioned by its founding leaders, adding that aligning with the PDP would further strengthen his political prospects in 2027.
The BoT chairman recalled how he previously praised the governor during the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, a project that had generated controversy at the time.
“When I hailed the governor for rehabilitating the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, which is a federal road, some people called for my head,” he said.
“Today, I have been vindicated. Abians across political divides are celebrating the evidence of good governance in the state.”
Wabara urged the governor to seriously consider joining the PDP, citing what he described as internal leadership challenges within the Labour Party.
He argued that the PDP offers a stronger national structure and wider spread, which would be crucial in resisting pressure from the ruling party ahead of 2027.
“In 2027, the governor will need a stronger platform like the PDP, with the national spread and capacity to withstand the antics of the ruling party, which is instigating crises in opposition parties,” he added.
Abia State was governed by the PDP from 1999 to 2015 before the All Progressives Congress took over. The political landscape shifted again in 2023 when Otti of the Labour Party won the governorship, ending years of dominance by the two major parties.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Otti has focused on infrastructure renewal, public sector reforms and fiscal discipline, moves that have continued to draw attention within and outside the state.
However, speculation over possible political realignments in Abia has intensified in recent months amid leadership disputes within the Labour Party and renewed efforts by opposition parties to strengthen their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.