Gov Otti is Not for Office: Matters Arising
Despite claims of incompetence, Governor Alex Otti has stunningly received resounding support from key political and regional blocs. Former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu defected from PDP to Labour Party, declaring “PDP has closed shop,” while openly praising Otti’s transformational projects. The Old Bende stakeholders and Aba Union also unanimously endorsed him, citing unprecedented infrastructure like the Abia Airport and Port Harcourt Road reconstruction. Even political rival Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe warned opponents to “forget 2027,” making the “not fit” narrative increasingly unconvincing.
Former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu stands as one of the most significant endorsements for Governor Otti. Having served as Deputy Governor under the previous PDP administration from 2015 to 2023, Chukwu officially defected to the Labour Party in August 2025, bringing thousands of his supporters with him . At the reception ceremony in Nkporo, Ohafia LGA, Chukwu praised Otti’s transformational leadership, stating, “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission. You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians.” He dramatically declared that “PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today” . Chukwu specifically highlighted Otti’s unprecedented road infrastructure development across Abia State and his intentional approach to various sectors including health, education, and sports development . This endorsement is particularly impactful given Chukwu’s political experience and influence in Abia North Senatorial Zone, potentially strengthening Labour Party’s grassroots structure in the region.
Old Bende stakeholders, comprising traditional rulers, community leaders, and political figures from the nine Local Government Areas of the Old Bende region, have formally endorsed Governor Otti for a second term . The group, representing the Old Bende Progressive Union, declared during a solidarity visit to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh that Governor Otti had “justified the trust we reposed on him” through sweeping developmental projects and improved governance since taking office in May 2023 . They highlighted transformative infrastructure projects including the Abia International Airport, Abia Seaport, Abia Stadium City, and Abia Industrial Park, alongside the revitalization of key roads like Port-Harcourt Road in Aba, Umuahia to Abriba Road, Ohanku Road, and Obohia Road . The stakeholders also emphasized Otti’s impact on citizens’ welfare, stating he had “turned the fortunes of traders, workers and pensioners around with prompt salary and pension payments” while settling “outstanding inherited backlogs” . Significant improvements in healthcare, notably the revival of General Hospital Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), alongside enhanced security attracting Foreign Direct Investment, were also key points of commendation .
The Aba Union, which represents the apex socio-cultural leadership body of the nine local government areas in the Old Aba Division (Ukwa la Ngwa region), has unanimously endorsed Governor Otti . During a meeting hosted by elder statesman Chief Theo Nkire and presided over by President HRH Eze Love Nwogu, the union praised Otti’s transformative projects, such as the Port Harcourt Road reconstruction, the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu, and the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza . They acknowledged that although many in the bloc did not support him in 2023, his performance had earned their trust and admiration. According to them, Governor Otti’s achievements have far exceeded expectations, surpassing the cumulative records of previous administrations in the past two decades . They commended his magnanimity in victory and described him as a son of the soil who has restored dignity, pride, and progress to the Aba region and beyond .
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has publicly endorsed Governor Otti’s re-election bid . During the Aba Union meeting, Senator Abaribe lent his voice to the resounding endorsement, affirming Governor Otti as the consensus candidate for the 2027 election. He questioned what any rival could possibly present to Abians after the sweeping and visible transformation witnessed under Otti’s leadership . Abaribe’s endorsement is significant due to his influence in the Abia South region and his ability to sway voters across party lines, potentially consolidating support for Otti in a historically competitive area.
Labour Party officials and defectors have consistently expressed support for Governor Otti’s re-election. During the reception for Ude Oko Chukwu, acting State Chairman of the Labour Party Sir Emmanuel Otti attributed the influx of people into the party to Otti’s good works, stating that the Governor has positively affected lives across all senatorial zones of the state . The Ohafia LGA LP chairman, Godwin Kalu, pledged unity and development for the region, while the PDP LGA chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, announced his defection alongside Chukwu, indicating broader political realignment . These defectors consistently cited being attracted to LP by Governor Otti’s antecedents and visible development across communities.
Traditional rulers and community leaders have played a crucial role in endorsing Otti. Figures like HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe (Chairman of Old Bende Traditional Rulers Council) and DIG Azubuko Joel Udah (rtd.) (Chairman of Old Bende Progressive Union) have aligned with Otti’s re-election bid, emphasizing his infrastructural reforms and economic policies . Their endorsement lends cultural legitimacy and could influence rural communities and traditional institutions. The meeting of Old Bende stakeholders took a decisive political turn with a formal motion moved by HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe and seconded by industrialist Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimiri), resulting in a resounding vote of confidence . The stakeholders pledged their “unflinching support” for Otti and declared their firm “intention and resolve to work for the success of his re-election in 2027” .
These endorsements reflect growing political consensus around Governor Otti’s administration, with supporters consistently citing his infrastructure development, reform-driven governance, and visible improvements across Abia State as reasons for their support. The defection of high-profile PDP figures like Ude Oko Chukwu suggests significant political realignment in favor of Otti’s re-election bid, while cross-party acknowledgments indicate broadening appeal beyond traditional party lines. The support from traditional institutions and socio-cultural groups further strengthens Otti’s grassroots mobilization capabilities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration stands as a paradigm of responsive governance and transformative leadership in Abia State, with his achievements starkly contradicting claims of incompetence. The allegations of financial mismanagement collapse under scrutiny when contrasted with his administration’s unprecedented transparency. Unlike previous governments, Otti has implemented open budgeting processes and regularly publishes expenditure reports, with the ₦54 billion school renovation project resulting in the complete overhaul of 170 primary schools and 51 secondary schools across all LGAs—a fact verified by independent monitoring groups.
The governor’s focus on substantive infrastructure over symbolic gestures demonstrates exceptional prioritization of public resources. His decision to delay Government House renovation—a building declared structurally unsound by engineering experts—allowed for the reallocation of funds to critical projects including the Port Harcourt Road reconstruction, revival of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and timely payment of salaries and pensions after years of arrears. This pragmatic approach has received overwhelming endorsement from traditional institutions, including the Council of Abia State Monarchs who commended his “unprecedented midterm achievements.”
Political challenges against Otti have consistently been dismissed by competent judicial authorities, confirming his legitimate mandate. The Election Petitions Tribunal and appellate courts thoroughly examined all allegations and unanimously validated his election. The attempted suspension by a factional LP chairman was similarly dismissed by the Supreme Court, reinforcing Otti’s position as the duly elected governor.
Otti’s public support remains robust precisely because of his tangible accomplishments: over 50 roads reconstructed, including previously abandoned federal roads; attraction of $500 million in foreign investments; implementation of a digital economy initiative creating 5,000 jobs; and the transformation of Abia’s healthcare system through the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme. These measurable outcomes explain why stakeholders across political lines—including former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu and the Aba Union—have endorsed his leadership, making claims of unfitness fundamentally incompatible with the demonstrable reality of his transformative governance.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke
