Ex banker and economist, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has emerged the 2023 guber flag-bearer of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State.

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Otti who was unopposed, polled a total vote of 455 at the party primary held on June 8, 2022, in Umuahia, the capital city of the state.

Recall that Otti had contested for governorship twice, under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Vice Chairman of  Labour party, Chief Innocent Okeke, conducted the exercise, while the party state chairman, Comrade Ceekay Igara, declared Otti as the winner after the primary election which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Others who also emerged winners for other political positions during the primaries were; Hon. Darlington  Nwokocha, for Senator Abia Central Senatorial District with a total vote of 462; Ginger Onwusibe for Federal House Member Representing Isialangwa North and South State Constituency; and Chief Obi Aguocha for Federal House Member Representing Ikwuano North and South Constituency.

Upon declaration as the most desired guber candidate for the party, Dr. Alex Otti expressed utmost joy and gratitude to his supporters for believing in him and coming out in their numbers amidst their busy schedules just to show support to him.

He promised that if and when elected as the governor of the state, a lot of things would change for good as his main focus in administration is the people. Amongst the many things he promised, he made known his intentions to pay up outstanding salaries owed to workers within the first one year of his tenure, solve the problems of infrastructural decay, revive the educational system of the state, solve the problem of unemployment, salvage the security situation in the state, improve the health sector, etcetera.

In his word;

“For a start we shall move in with courage and sincerity to make sure that all outstanding salary arrears are cleared within the first year if our administration. I consider this a matter of urgent importance because of my knowledge on how the economy works and my understanding of the importance of civil service in the economic development of a state I would ensure that the inglorious practice of non payment of salaries and pension will be a thing of the past. I have always had the view that a laborer is worthy of his wage.” He noted that for that to be done, high level of managerial skill was needed, high sense of duty, transparency and honesty of which he said he has in abundance.

He also said;

“Secondly, we have repeatedly argued, of which you are aware of that investors and investments are only attracted to places that are prepared and ready to receive them. In the light of this, we would ensure our government carries out massive investment in the infrastructure to attract investment and by so doing create platform for massive employment.”

The guber candidate also promised to serve the people for free not expecting any sort of salary from them for the duration of his tenure if elected into power.

Finally he urged supporters to join him fight the last battle of emerging as the governor of the state. He encouraged them to go on and get their voters card as the recent upgrade in the electoral system will make sure that all votes count.