Alex Otti, the incoming governor of Abia State, has been congratulated by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate for 2023.

Otti's victory, according to Obi, demonstrated that the wishes of the residents of Abia State were honored.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, proclaimed Otti the victor of the governor's race on Wednesday.

In the election held last Saturday, the LP candidate for governor of Abia State defeated Okey Ahiwe of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who was his closest rival.

Against Ahiwe, who received 88 529 votes, he received 175 467.

In response to his victory, Obi prayed for Otti's protection from the devil.

Obi posted the following on Twitter: "I recently spoke with my brother, Dr. Alex Otti, @alexottiofr, the Governor-elect of Abia State, and heartily congratulated him on his election.

“I am gratified that the will and wishes freely expressed by the Abia electorate have been respected.

“I pray for God’s guidance and protection for the incoming governor of God’s Own State. -PO”