According to a report by Channels Television on Sunday, March 29, 2026, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party intends to present a candidate to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election against the current governor, Alex Otti, if the party remains strong and well-organised.
Speaking during an interview with a national television network on the sidelines of the PDP 2026 National Convention at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Ikpeazu emphasized the importance of party structure and electoral readiness as key factors in determining the party’s ability to field a competitive candidate.
When asked to evaluate the performance of the incumbent governor, Ikpeazu chose not to comment, noting that former governors traditionally avoid publicly assessing their successors.
He stated that such evaluations are often considered inappropriate and could undermine political unity within the state.
Instead, he redirected the conversation to focus on the party’s organisation, strategy, and the necessity of maintaining a strong foundation to ensure competitiveness in upcoming elections.
Ikpeazu highlighted the PDP’s need to consolidate its structures across the state to be in a position to challenge the ruling administration effectively.
He noted that electoral success in 2027 would depend heavily on strategic planning, grassroots mobilization, and the ability to present a candidate capable of uniting party members and appealing to the electorate.
According to him, these factors are more critical than critiquing the current administration, as they determine whether the party can realistically contest for power in the next election cycle.
The former governor also underscored the importance of timing and preparedness, stressing that the party must focus on long-term planning rather than reacting to immediate political developments.
He explained that building a strong organisational structure and ensuring proper candidate selection processes are essential steps in securing a competitive edge.
Ikpeazu’s remarks reflected a commitment to strengthening the PDP as a viable political alternative in Abia State, emphasizing that electoral readiness requires careful preparation and unified efforts by party members.
He said, “If my party is strong enough by 2027, we will field a candidate against him.”