Governor Alex Otti of Abia State hosted former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA), over the weekend.
The meeting, which included Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, some of Otti’s aides, and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has ignited speculation about a potential political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although Kwankwaso stated that his visit was to condole with Governor Otti on the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first governor of old Abia State, political observers quickly noted the timing of the visit amid rumors of growing political collaboration between the two leaders.
Onu, who passed away recently, was buried in his hometown of Uburu in Ebonyi State on Friday.
Kwankwaso’s visit coincided with a reception hosted by Governor Otti for 15 Abia indigenes who recently graduated from the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, further fueling discussions about the political significance of the gathering.
Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s presence in Abia was part of a broader effort to strengthen opposition forces ahead of 2027.
“With 2027 fast approaching, it’s unlikely that two influential figures like Kwankwaso and Otti would meet without discussing the presidential election,” said one analyst.
“They are both aware that the only way to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027 is through a united and formidable alliance.”
The local government elections in Abia last month saw remarkable success for candidates loyal to Governor Otti, who won nearly all chairmanship positions under the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
This success followed a series of legal battles concerning the legitimacy of leadership within the Labour Party (LP), which has been divided into factions, one led by Julius Abure and the other supported by Peter Obi and Otti, with Nenadi Usman, former Finance Minister, at its helm.
Analysts suggest that if key opposition figures—Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi, and Kwankwaso—fail to resolve their political differences and present a unified front with a strong presidential candidate in 2027, they risk missing an opportunity to challenge the dominance of the ruling APC.
During the visit, Otti expressed gratitude to Kwankwaso, recalling how, in May 2022, Kwankwaso had offered him a platform to run for governorship when Otti was still considering his political options.
“Thank you for your guidance, for your patriotism, for everything you did for this country. You encouraged me not to lose hope, even when it seemed like all was lost. That call you made in May 2022, offering me your platform, meant a lot to me.”
Kwankwaso, for his part, congratulated Otti on his successful governorship bid, praising his leadership and the positive feedback he had received about the governor’s achievements.
“From what I have heard and seen, you are doing well. Your projects are evident everywhere,” Kwankwaso said.
Both leaders took the opportunity to address the newly graduated police officers, urging them to serve with dedication and professionalism.
Governor Otti encouraged the officers to work hard and be exemplary, noting that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve success.
“If people like us, who had no hope in the past, can make it, there is no reason why you can’t reach your goals. Do things the right way—cutting corners doesn’t get you far.” Otti said.
Kwankwaso also offered advice to the new officers, urging them to maintain professionalism in their duties.
“Fear God first, and always be professional in your work. You are now part of a prestigious institution—stay true to the values of professionalism.”
