PDP Ready to Hand Otti Governorship Ticket If He Defects — Wabara
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has said the party would be willing to present Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as its governorship candidate in the 2027 elections should he defect to the PDP.
Wabara made the statement on Sunday in Umuahia while responding to questions from journalists shortly after the launch of the Abia 25-Year Development Plan by the state government.
He described Governor Otti as a valuable political asset whose performance in office has attracted interest from multiple political parties.
According to the former Senate President, Otti’s governance record has positioned him as a strong contender ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing that the PDP would not hesitate to offer him its ticket if he decides to join the party.
“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 explained that the growing cross-party appeal of the Abia governor is largely driven by his scorecard in office, noting that performance remains a critical factor in electoral success.
Wabara also pointed to ongoing efforts by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to reposition and rebrand the party ahead of future elections. He said the reforms, under the party’s national leadership, have enhanced the PDP’s credibility and attractiveness to aspirants both in Abia State and across the country.
Emphasising the party’s historical influence in the region, Wabara described the South-East as a traditional stronghold of the PDP, adding that Otti’s possible defection would significantly boost the party’s prospects in the zone.
He further noted that such a move would help strengthen the PDP’s footing in national politics and restore the South-East’s relevance in Nigeria’s political equation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Otti, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, has yet to comment on the PDP’s overture or speculations surrounding his political future.
