Amanze Chinonye
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated that his administration will not be distracted by early politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that his priority remains rebuilding the state and delivering tangible development to the people, Prime Business Africa reports.
Otti made this known on January 18, 2026, while addressing worshippers during a church service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuikaa District, Isialangwa South Local Government Area. He said no individual or political group was entitled to derail his government with premature election campaigns.
“I am not bothered about 2027. The same God who settled 2023 will settle 2027,” the governor said, urging Abians to ignore political “noise” and remain focused on progress and governance.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to him, governance not politicking is the mandate given to his administration by the people of Abia State.
“No one is entitled to distract this government with 2027 elections,” Otti said, adding that his responsibility is to fix Abia and deliver tangible dividends of democracy to residents.
His remarks came amid rising political tensions in the state, following open declarations by some opposition figures ahead of the next election cycle. Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has publicly vowed to deliver the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, while the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has also criticised Otti’s administration and predicted it would be a one-term government.
READ ALSO : Ex-Abia Governors Kalu, Theodore Orji Mobilise Old Political Guard Against Otti for 2027
Against this backdrop, thousands of residents converged in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, on Saturday in a show of solidarity with the Labour Party governor. The supporters, drawn from traders, youths and community groups, marched through major streets in what they described as a spontaneous and voluntary rally.
Participants emphasised that no payments or incentives were involved, noting that the march was organised to counter public statements and threats aimed at unseating Otti in 2027. They praised his administration’s performance, particularly ongoing road reconstruction projects, urban renewal initiatives and infrastructure upgrades in Aba and other parts of the state.
Speaking further on governance, Otti apologised to residents for inconveniences caused by ongoing road projects, including dust and traffic disruptions, explaining that such challenges were unavoidable consequences of large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation aimed at long-term benefits.
Beyond street support, organised groups have also spoken out. The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State chapter, has passed a vote of confidence in the governor, urging political actors to allow Abians to decide their leadership through democratic means rather than pre-emptive claims.
Similarly, the Obidient Movement in Abia State has denied reports suggesting it threatened to withdraw support for Otti over party alignment issues, reaffirming its backing for his administration based on governance performance rather than partisan considerations.
While addressing political developments, Otti reiterated that his administration would remain focused on governance rather than responding to threats or distractions.
“Fixing Abia comes before politics,” he maintained.
Some speakers at the rally warned political opponents against interfering with the current administration, insisting that the governor enjoys widespread grassroots support across the state. Local leaders and organisers of the march also reaffirmed their backing for Otti, pledging continued support for his policies and a possible re-election bid when the time comes.
For now, the governor says his priority remains delivering on his mandate and restoring Abia State, leaving electoral politics for the appropriate time.
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.
