OTTI’S RESPECT FOR DEMOCRATIC VALUES: A LESSON FOR ABIA’S OPPOSITION
By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD
At a time when political intolerance and the abuse of incumbency remain troubling features of Nigeria’s democratic experience, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has demonstrated a refreshing example of democratic leadership, political maturity and respect for opposing views. His remarks at the formal flag-off of the Labour Party’s 2027 Governorship Campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2026, deserve commendation, particularly from political opponents and advocates of democratic governance.
In a political environment where some incumbent governors are accused of frustrating opposition parties by denying them access to public facilities for legitimate campaign activities, Governor Otti has adopted a distinctly different approach. He has publicly directed that opposition parties in Abia State should not be denied access to government-owned and public facilities, provided they apply, obtain the necessary approvals and fulfil the applicable requirements, including payment of prescribed fees.
This pronouncement is significant because it reflects a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of democracy, including political pluralism, equal opportunity, freedom of association and respect for the rights of political opponents. Public facilities are not the private properties of incumbent officeholders or ruling political parties. They are public assets maintained with taxpayers’ money and should therefore be accessible to all eligible citizens and political organisations in accordance with established regulations, without discrimination or partisan obstruction.
More importantly, Governor Otti has gone beyond making a general declaration of political tolerance. He has directed security agencies to arrest and deal decisively with anyone who attempts to obstruct legitimate political activities or deface campaign publicity materials belonging to any political group. This directive demonstrates his administration’s resolve to protect the democratic space and guarantee a peaceful, inclusive and level playing field for all political participants.
His advice to political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, present their manifestoes and avoid unnecessary personal attacks further underscores his commitment to issue-based politics. It is a call for political maturity, constructive engagement and responsible political communication, which should be embraced by all parties, irrespective of their ideological differences or electoral ambitions.
What makes Governor Otti’s position particularly commendable is that it comes from a sitting governor seeking re-election. Rather than deploying the enormous powers and advantages of incumbency to frustrate political opponents, he is advocating an environment in which all political parties can freely present their programmes and compete for the support of the electorate. This is the essence of democratic confidence, allowing the people to make informed choices without intimidation, exclusion or unnecessary restrictions.
Indeed, Governor Otti’s approach sends a powerful message beyond the boundaries of Abia State. Leadership is not measured by how effectively an incumbent can silence, intimidate or obstruct the opposition, but by the extent to which democratic institutions, freedoms and processes are protected, even when such freedoms benefit political rivals. His position offers an important lesson to other governors and political leaders who may be tempted to equate political power with exclusive control over public resources and democratic opportunities.
Ultimately, the strength of democracy lies not in the absence of opposition but in the ability of competing political interests to coexist, engage constructively and seek public support within an atmosphere of mutual respect and adherence to established rules. Governor Otti’s pronouncement is therefore more than a campaign-season declaration. It is a significant statement about the kind of political culture that should define the New Abia.
Abia’s opposition parties are at liberty to disagree with Governor Otti and oppose any policies or programmes of his administration that they consider unsuitable. That is their constitutional and democratic right. However, they should also be willing to acknowledge and commend a governor who recognises and protects their right to participate freely in the democratic process, even as he prepares to defeat them at the polls.
That is political tolerance. That is democratic maturity. And that is leadership worthy of commendation.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
