Otti’s Comment On Elections Reflects Rule Of Law, Abia Govt Explains

The Abia State Government has clarified that Governor Alex Otti’s recent comment on future elections was not a threat but a firm stand for electoral integrity and the rule of law.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu on Saturday, the government said the Governor’s remark that those planning to “write election results” should “first write their wills” was a figurative expression against electoral malpractice.

Kanu explained that the statement aligns with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, which criminalize result falsification and guarantee that sovereignty belongs to the people.

He described Governor Otti as a man of peace committed to due process, noting that no one has been unlawfully detained since he assumed office.

The government urged the public and political stakeholders to interpret the Governor’s remarks within their proper constitutional context, reaffirming Abia’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.

“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 the 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”.