₦airaland Forum

PRESS RELEASE:

GOVERNOR OTTI'S STATEMENT ON ELECTORAL INTEGRITY ALIGNES WITH CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PRINCIPLES

The Abia State Government wishes to clarify recent misconceptions and deliberate misinterpretations surrounding the remarks made by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, during the October edition of his monthly media parley, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks.”

Governor Otti’s statement, in which he advised those planning to “write election results” in future elections to “first write their wills,” was neither a threat nor a call to violence. Rather, it was a figurative expression underscoring his administration’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the sanctity of the ballot, and the protection of the people’s mandate.

The Governor’s message aligns perfectly with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees that sovereignty belongs to the people and that government derives its authority from their consent. It equally resonates with the Electoral Act, 2022, particularly Section 128, which criminalizes result falsification and prescribes penalties for any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

By cautioning against unlawful electoral practices, Governor Otti reaffirmed his government’s determination to ensure that Abia State remains a model for free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria. His statement was a lawful, democratic warning to those who may contemplate undermining the will of the people, a reminder that every action has legal consequences under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

It is important to emphasize that Governor Alex Otti is a man of peace who firmly believes in the supremacy of the law and democratic due process. His administration has, from inception, chosen the path of legality and institutional redress over Gestapo-style intimidation or extra-legal tactics against perceived political opponents. Despite facing ascetic and sometimes malicious criticisms from detractors, the Governor has remained calm, tolerant, and focused on governance.

Notably, since May 29, 2023, not a single person has been unlawfully or politically detained under his watch. This reflects his unshakable faith in justice, dialogue, and constitutionalism as the true instruments of leadership in a civilized society.

Governor Otti’s position reflects his broader philosophy of governance, one grounded in justice, accountability, and respect for due process. Since assuming office, he has consistently emphasized that Abia is now a state governed by laws, not by intimidation, political thuggery, or manipulation.

The Abia State Government therefore urges members of the public, political stakeholders, and civil society actors to interpret the Governor’s remarks within their rightful constitutional and legal context. The administration remains committed to peace, dialogue, and inclusive governance, while upholding the rule of law as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

This Government will continue to protect the rights and freedoms of all Abians as enshrined in Section 39(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, provided such expression promotes peace, truth, and the collective interest of society.

The era of electoral malpractice and subversion of the people’s will is over. Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, Abia is building a new democratic culture founded on transparency, integrity, and genuine service to the people.

Signed:
Prince Okey Kanu
Hon. Commissioner for Information
18-10-2025

Source: Abia State Government

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/8541568/otti-replies-benjamin-kalu-those

It's a statement of fact - Period

I never knew that writing a "will" is problematic to evil doers until now.

Writing a will is something an adult should do and should have done at a particular age.

Is the import of the statement different? Ooh! Politics? I'm out.

"Only the Guilty are Afraid" - James Hardley Chase

Threat or no threat, APC will surely take over

If you feel threatened by that comment,
you are evil👿.

The message have been read and we'll passed📌💯

Elrufai also said we'll resist rigging 🤷🏿

Not that I support Elrufai's body bag comments in the lead up to the 2015 elections, but there's no difference here..
Those who criticize Elrufai are finding reasons to justify this comment. You write a will in preparation for DEATH, boby bags are used for the same reason.
What is bad is bad,

That's just a statement of fact na since wen writing a will become a threat for goodness sake

It is a threat and that's what it is. Tinubu said more than this.

asfrank:
Not that I support Elrufai's body bag comments in the lead up to the 2015 elections, but there's no difference here..
Those who criticize Elrufai are finding reasons to justify this comment. You write a will in preparation for DEATH, boby bags are used for the same reason.
What is bad is bad,

Why would some who's not planning to rig be threatened by that statement?

Yes it is not a threat. Someone should call that young boy Kalu to order

temitope27:
Threat or no threat, APC will surely take over

Take over through the ballot , that is what we are saying. Good enough your APC appointed INEC chairman is already swearing to make sure votes count.
Then we shall see how popular Hon Kalu is.

asfrank:
Not that I support Elrufai's body bag comments in the lead up to the 2015 elections, but there's no difference here..
Those who criticize Elrufai are finding reasons to justify this comment. You write a will in preparation for DEATH, boby bags are used for the same reason.
What is bad is bad,

Both are bad statements

True..

It’s a peace loving statements..

Well noted..

No need to explain na.... Shey na d same statement mc oluomo and others make for lagos..... Rigging election na automatic death sentence....

Buhari said worse, El Rufai said worse, some apc bigwigs said worse, they defended them

Since, is SE threatening SE🤣🤣🤣🤣. No problem............. The one Nnamdi Kanu caused us still on ground. Ride on boys.......🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.


El Rufai said same thing.......

Its a word amd opposite its not a threat so far its coming from Otii.. if sanwo say such it will suddenly become a threat...
We dey together dis time..
We..rey lafin wo we..rey in Taiye Currency voice

Mr. Otti. That is a threatening statement and can incite those loose at the edges.

What you and all Nigerians should be advocating for is that elections count. The battle is not for your seat alone but to make institutions work well for all.

It is the failure of institutions that is the biggest threat to your seat and Benjamin Kalu may just be the tip of a bigger iceberg.

Goodlady:
Both are bad statements

So you can write election results but can't write your will. Good advice coming from Gov. Otti.

I write “beware of Dogs in my compound”,person wey dey live for another street dey vex for me
If you don’t have bad intentions,e for no dey pain you

asfrank:
Not that I support Elrufai's body bag comments in the lead up to the 2015 elections, but there's no difference here..
Those who criticize Elrufai are finding reasons to justify this comment. You write a will in preparation for DEATH, boby bags are used for the same reason.
What is bad is bad,

What was wrong with Elrufai's "bodybag" comment? He only said any foreigner who thinks they can interfere in our electoral process should be prepared to leave in a bodybag. What's wrong with that?

Every Nigerian who desires good governance through a free, fair, credible and transparent election and indeed every human being who stands for equity and justice will celebrate the statement.

Donbabaj:
So you can write election results but can't write your will. Good advice coming from Gov. Otti.

So you can write your will and election statements, lawlessness will end up favouring those in power. Aggrieved or cheated ones can only fight back tactically and not via nzogbu-nzogbu!
Hope you v learned a motherly lesson.

ALEX OTTI is a disgrace to good governance in reality, Abians are not happy with his leadership.

. RIG and Kpai.. Baba kekere of Aba,wehdone ooo

Keep dreaming Otti till 2031

temitope27:
Threat or no threat, APC will surely take over

temitope27:
Threat or no threat, APC will surely take over

in your dream!

40 character needed!

Orlandoo:
It is a threat and that's what it is. Tinubu said more than this.

I will sue you for using my exclusive image with my consent.