The Abia State Governor and the National Leader of the Labour Party, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Tuesday, 14th April, received Comr. Yohanna Kwaha, Ph.D, a Labour Party governorship aspirant from Adamawa State.
Comr. Yohanna Kwaha visited to formally inform the Governor of his intention to contest the 2027 Governorship election in Adamawa State under the Labour Party platform.
While welcoming Comr. Kwaha to Abia State, Governor Otti explained that the Labour Party manifesto is centered on the welfare of the people, including those in public service, private employment, and the self-employed. “So, it’s a party for workers. And, being a comrade yourself, you know better,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti commended Comr. Kwaha for declaring his ambition, noting that with the incumbent Governor of Adamawa State currently serving his second term, the 2027 race presents a level playing field for new entrants.
“Firstly, there is an opportunity, given that my friend, Governor Fintiri, is completing his second term.
“Everyone in the race will be fresh people. So, that gives you a head start. If you are contesting against a sitting governor, then, it becomes a more herculean task,” Governor Otti stated.
“But, I think it’s an open field. So, I want to encourage you, since you have your dream already set out, hold on to your dream. And work towards it,” he added.
The national leader of the Labour Party further advised the aspirant to intensify grassroots party mobilization by encouraging supporters across Adamawa State to register with the Labour Party and obtain their membership cards. Governor Otti explained that recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act make party membership a condition for participation in party congresses and other electoral processes.
“We encourage you to continue to work hard towards the realization of your vision. At the moment, registration is going on.
“And in no distant future, the congresses will come. And, then a convention that will happen here towards the end of the month. So, it becomes very critical that you not only register, but get all your supporters to register.
“If the numbers are not looking good, it will be difficult to even hold congresses in the States,” Governor Otti stated.
Speaking further, the State Chief Executive said, “So, I think if you go through the electoral act as amended, there are a lot of new things that have come in, including the fact that some people may not be allowed to participate in congresses if they are not registered.”
The number one citizen of Abia State thanked Comr. Kwaha for his kind words about the work his administration is doing in Abia State.
Earlier in his speech, the Adamawa State Labour Party governorship aspirant, Comr. Yohanna Kwaha, Ph.D, commended Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for his visible, verifiable, and impactful achievements across various sectors in Abia State, including health, power, education, industry and so on, stating that no sector has been left untouched.
Comr. Kwaha noted that he has closely monitored developments in Abia State since the emergence of Governor Otti and expressed admiration for the Governor’s outstanding leadership style, which he said has continued to inspire him.
He further stated that the remarkable progress recorded under Governor Otti’s administration serves as a model of good governance and effective leadership.
Comrade Kwaha was accompanied on the visit by Hon. Theman Auekkeya Jonah, JP, Chairman of the Labour Party in Adamawa State, alongside other stakeholders.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
April 15th, 2026.
