Amanze Chinonye
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has downplayed recent political moves by former governors and opposition figures seeking to challenge his administration ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the developments as inconsequential distractions, Prime Business Africa reports.
Otti made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a public event in Umuahia, where he addressed growing public discussions surrounding a recent meeting of former Abia State governors and political officeholders led by Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji.
“I’m sure you all have been hearing noises for the past few days. Empty barrels make the loudest noise. Nobody should worry about things that are not worth our response; we have other important matters to attend to,” the governor said.
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The governor’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct response to the emerging political alliance of former power brokers who have openly declared their intention to unseat him in 2027.
Speaking further, Otti urged residents of the state to remain focused on development and progress rather than political distractions, stressing that his administration would not be drawn into premature campaign battles.
According to reports from the event, the governor noted that history has shown that political gatherings without a genuine developmental agenda often fizzle out, adding that his government remains committed to delivering tangible benefits to the people of Abia.
Otti’s remarks were made during a church-related event in Umuahia North Local Government Area, attended by religious leaders, government officials and community members. He reportedly used the occasion to reaffirm that his priority remains governance, infrastructure delivery and economic revitalisation, rather than responding to what he described as political “noise.”
The comments come days after former governors Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji convened a meeting of past political officeholders in the state, where they announced plans to form a broad coalition aimed at reclaiming power from the Labour Party-led government in 2027.
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Otti has embarked on road reconstruction projects, urban renewal programmes, transport reforms and the clearance of salary and pension arrears initiatives his supporters say have earned him significant public goodwill across the state.
With political alignments already taking shape ahead of the next election cycle, Otti’s response signals a clear attempt to position his administration above early campaign rhetoric, while maintaining focus on governance and service delivery.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
