Abia State Governor Alex Otti, speaking at a media briefing in Umuahia on Thursday, rejected rumors of defecting from the Labour Party and vowed that residents would defend their 2027 governorship election choice.

“I have heard that some people around him say, ‘Oh, they must take over this state, they must write results’,” he said.

“But the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time.

“You know what it is? Their will.”

Otti was reacting to comments attributed to Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, who said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over Abia in 2027.

He warned potential manipulators to write their wills first, emphasizing the state’s commitment to electoral integrity amid tensions following his 2023 victory that ended PDP dominance.

 Otti’s remarks underscore ongoing efforts in transparency and development, including infrastructure improvements and pension payments, while facing opposition from federal figures like Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.