The Labour Party (LP) candidate for governor in Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has urged the community to support Mr Peter Obi in the upcoming 2023 presidential elections.
With the help of the populace, he asserted, Abia could be brought back to a condition of peace, wealth, and progress.
He alleges that for many years, the state was run by inept authorities, which had a terrible impact on the lives of millions of people, particularly young people without work and retirees whose salaries were cut off.
Otti conveyed a Christmas greeting with the call via Ferdinand Ekeoma, his media assistant in Abuja.
The gubernatorial candidate urged people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, a technical advancement, will increase the credibility of the election (BVAS).
He said, “This Christmas precedes the crucial election year of 2023 when you and I shall have the great opportunity we have been yearning for to reclaim our dear state of Abia and return it to the path of peace, growth and development after several years of rudderless leadership that has severely affected the welfare and wellbeing of millions of Abians, especially our unemployed youths and senior citizens who have been consistently denied their salaries and pensions.
“Between 2015, when the mandate you passionately and unanimously gave to us was brazenly snatched away by the oppressors, and today, I have neither slowed down nor withdrawn from asking critical questions and taking practical measures geared towards ensuring that those who have seized our Commonwealth in Abia are not allowed to continually enjoy underserved affluence while insulting our sensibilities.
“May I humbly remind you that the elections have been slated to take place between February and March 2023 in Abia, and you would have the noble duty to pick up your PVCs and also encourage your family and loved ones to pick theirs and vote out those who have made themselves slavemasters over you? By voting for our incoming President, Mr Peter Obi, my humble self, and other Labour Party candidates across the 17 Local Governments of Abia state.
“On my side, as your son, brother, friend and servant-leader seeking to render selfless and people-oriented service to our state and her people, I am prepared more than ever to align with other like minds to ensure that those holding our state down do not have any single opportunity to steal your vote in 2023 more so, given the change in the electoral laws and process. I charge you not be discouraged but rather be spurred and inspired by the new INEC innovation called BVAS, which has provided a better platform for the protection of your votes.
“Remember, no freedom has ever been achieved easily anywhere, hence the need for us to increase our resolve and redouble our efforts aimed at reclaiming and rebuilding our state for the good of all.
“As we travel to our various destinations to celebrate and meet with families, friends and loved ones, I pray that God grants us journey mercies.
“May He also help us to celebrate peacefully and enable us to remember that Christ is the reason for the season?
“Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy New Year in advance.”