Abia North Stakeholders Rally Support for Governor Otti's 2027 Bid

Prominent figures from Abia North, operating under the banner of the Alliance for Good Governance, have affirmed their commitment to upholding and extending Governor Alex Otti's governance paradigm well past 2031, as he prepares for his re-election campaign.

During a gathering held on Saturday at the Isieke Civic Centre in Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Prof. Mkpa Mkpa, who serves as the group's Secretary and spokesperson and is a former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, unveiled the communique issued at the end of their meeting.

According to Prof. Mkpa, the primary objective of the alliance is to guarantee the continuity of effective administration within the state. He emphasized that Abia had not previously experienced such a high standard of governance as that being spearheaded by Governor Otti. The stakeholders, Mkpa explained, concluded that the principles of good governance should extend beyond 2031, with future leaders in Abia expected to adopt and build upon the frameworks established by the current Otti administration.

The Alliance urged collective effort to secure Otti's quest for a second term. This involves comprehensive voter education, particularly targeting grassroots communities and young people, to ensure they resist any coercion or incentives from opposing political factions.

Prof. Mkpa declared, “We are non-partisan; we are the elders of Abia North, and we are the lone voice, crying in the wilderness, calling on all and sundry not to allow this singular opportunity that this administration has prayed for over the years, which God has graciously granted us, in giving us a person like Governor Alex Otti, to slip through our fingers.”

He further articulated the consensus that simply hoping for Governor Alex Otti's continued tenure past 2027 is insufficient; active participation is crucial for its realization. Mkpa stated, “We resolved to embark on massive voter education, particularly at the grassroots and among the less literate. We also agreed to mobilise our youths not to succumb to pressure or inducement from other parties and not to sell their votes. If anyone gives them money, they should collect it, but at the right time, vote for Alex Otti and all candidates in his lineup.”

He concluded by reflecting on a past era, saying, “In the past, we fretted, we trembled, we were afraid and intimidated to be identified as Abians. But today, we can raise our shoulders high and say proudly, we are Abians. Continue breaking new ground in the remaining months of your first term and into your second term.”

Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, and Urum Eke, a respected economist, banker, and former Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, both delivered individual addresses. They affirmed that the stakeholders are actively organizing their networks in anticipation of the upcoming general elections, asserting that citizens of Abia will no longer tolerate incompetent individuals holding public office.

Ebueme Ezikpe, the convener of the Alliance for Good Governance, and Johnson Chukwu, who hosted the meeting, also contributed. They described the platform as a mechanism bringing together influential figures and opinion leaders to guide the state's governance trajectory. They highlighted that Governor Otti's accomplishments have, among many other positive changes, instilled a new sense of order and integrity in the administration.