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By Tracy Moses
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has dismissed the recent gathering of former governors allegedly aimed at stopping his re-election bid in 2027, describing the move as a failed project driven by selfish interests rather than concern for the people.
Governor Otti was reacting to a closed-door meeting held in Umuahia by former Abia governors, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji, and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Although details of the meeting were not officially disclosed, it has been widely interpreted in political circles as an attempt to forge a common front against the incumbent administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting comes amid growing political realignments in Abia State following Otti’s emergence as governor in May 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party, which ended years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominance in the state. Since assuming office, Otti’s reform-driven agenda, particularly in infrastructure renewal, fiscal discipline, and governance reforms, has altered long-standing political structures, leaving several entrenched interests outside the current power arrangement.
Speaking during a church service in Umuahia on Sunday, the governor urged Abians to disregard what he described as empty threats from political actors who previously held power but failed to deliver meaningful development to the state.
According to Otti, the political leaders involved in the alliance are nothing more than “noise makers” whose actions pose no threat to the progress of Abia State.
“I want us to just dismiss it as noise. It is always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise,” the governor said.
He expressed regret that former governors and their supporters, who once had the opportunity to develop the state, are now regrouping under the guise of opposition, describing their actions as motivated by personal interests rather than the welfare of Abia people.
Quoting from the Bible, Otti referenced Isaiah 54:15, stating that although they may gather, such a gathering is not ordained by God and would ultimately scatter.
He also cited Lamentations, questioning the authority of those speaking without divine backing. “So, nobody should worry about that. We don’t even think they deserve any response,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to governance, the governor said his government would remain focused on changing the narrative in Abia State, stressing that his critics are more concerned about themselves than the people they claim to represent.
“They are not talking about Abia people; they are talking about themselves. But they are a tiny minority. God does not make mistakes, and He does not abandon unfinished projects,” Otti said.
The Abia chief executive also addressed comments regarding his role in the church where he spoke, clarifying that he did not construct the building from scratch but only renovated an existing structure.
“It is not correct to say that I did everything. The church was already standing. What we did was a little renovation to make it look better,” he explained.
He further emphasized that no government funds were used for the renovation, stressing that public resources are strictly reserved for official government business.
Governor Otti also reminded the congregation that his philanthropic activities predate his emergence as governor, recalling that as far back as 2012, he had led fundraising efforts for church projects.