Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Labour Party candidates and supporters in Imo State to remain united, mobilise voters and protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otti gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing party members during the official flag-off of the Labour Party's campaign in Imo State, held at All Saints Cathedral Church Field, Egbu, Owerri.

He expressed confidence in the party's prospects in the forthcoming elections, urging candidates to approach the contest with determination and ensure that their electoral mandates were protected.

The governor stressed that voting alone was insufficient without vigilance throughout the electoral process, urging party members to ensure that their ballots were properly protected and counted.

"You have only one vote. Only one. So, it is not enough to cast it; you need to protect it," he said.

Otti, however, cautioned party supporters against describing him as the best governor, noting that he was not competing with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, or other governors.

He explained that every state had its peculiar challenges and developmental priorities, adding that his administration was focused on addressing the problems it inherited in Abia rather than comparing its performance with that of other states.

At the event, the Labour Party National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, represented by the Deputy National Chairman, Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, formally presented party flags to candidates contesting National Assembly and State Assembly seats in Imo State.

Mohammed urged the candidates to carry the party's flags with pride and work towards securing victory at the polls.

Usman expressed confidence in the party's prospects, saying it would draw on its experience in Abia State to strengthen its political appeal in Imo.

The party's National Secretary, Acho Obioma; National Organising Secretary, Oluchi Opara; National Woman Leader, Hilda Dokubo; and National Youth Leader, Collins Okpara, also called on supporters to mobilise voters across Imo East Senatorial District and other constituencies.

They expressed confidence that the party could replicate its governance approach in Abia if given the opportunity in Imo State.

The Labour Party candidate for Imo East Senatorial District, Basil Maduka, appealed to voters to support his candidacy, promising to justify their confidence if elected.

Earlier, the Imo State Labour Party Chairman, Nelson Ezerioha, welcomed party leaders, candidates and supporters, urging members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

The presentation of party flags to the candidates marked the formal commencement of the party's campaign activities in the state.