Group to DSS, Police: Probe Otti over ‘write your will’ remark

Abia Renaissance Group (ARG) has urged security agencies to investigate Governor Alex Otti of Abia State over a comment he allegedly made concerning the 2027 governorship election.

In a petition addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ARG said the governor’s remark — which warned those planning to rig the next election to “write their wills” — was capable of inciting unrest and intimidating political actors.

Otti, while addressing supporters on Thursday, had cautioned those he claimed were plotting to “write results” in 2027 to rather “write something else — their will.”

Reacting in a statement signed by its chairman, Kelechi Uwakwe, and secretary, Emma Nwangwu, the group said the comment amounted to a veiled death threat and had introduced fear into Abia’s political space.

“It is disturbing that a sitting governor, whose primary duty is to safeguard lives and property, is the one issuing remarks that could be construed as threats against citizens participating in a democratic process,” the statement said.

The group accused the governor of tacitly enabling hostility towards opposition voices and warned that such utterances could erode the culture of peace and tolerance historically associated with Abia politics.

ARG expressed confidence that the relevant security agencies would “rise to the occasion, enforce the law without fear or favour and make it clear that no one — including the governor — is above the law.”

“Abia does not belong to one man or one party,” the group added.