Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has received a major political boost ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as Imo indigenes resident in the state unanimously endorsed him for a second term, pledging to mobilise support for his re-election.
The endorsement came on Wednesday during a grand civic reception organised in Aba by Ndị Imo in Abia, in honour of Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
Addressing the gathering at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic pavilion, Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering projects that benefit everyone, irrespective of their state of origin.
He reiterated that under his government, every resident enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
“There is no State of origin in Abia State under this administration,” the governor declared.
Appreciating the endorsement by the Imo community, Otti described his administration’s achievements over the past three years as only the beginning of a broader transformation agenda.
“This is just the beginning. We have been here just for three years. And by the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see what will happen. Like the Americans will say, you ain’t see nothing yet.
“So, this is just the beginning. And you know sometimes, what people write in the social media, they are worried about what will happen after now.
“You know, the reality is that once you have found your feet, there is no going back to Egypt. So, what will happen after now is that we will continue to develop and do better,” Otti said.
Responding to an appeal over workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, the governor disclosed that his administration had already approved the payment of their entitlements.
“I have also listened to a plea about recalling those who were disengaged a long time ago, about 2011-2012, if I’m not mistaking. I thought I had given that directive when Anambra people received me.
“It was not just Anambra people, it was for everyone. The reality is that some of those people who were disengaged 15, 16, 17 years ago have become so old that they can no longer go back to their work.
“So, what we said was that we will calculate their entitlements and pay them. Anambra people received the entitlement. Maybe, you need to show up for verification and you will be paid. Let me also make it very clear, and all of you know that in Abia State there is no State of Origin,” he stated.
Governor Otti also thanked Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara, for identifying with his administration.
He assured Governor Uzodinma that Imo indigenes living in Abia are safe, protected and regarded as full stakeholders in the state.
Representing the Imo governor, Chief Opara said the large turnout at the reception reflected the confidence Imo residents in Abia have in Governor Otti’s leadership.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, an indigene of Imo State, to the governor’s success and urged Imo people residing in Abia to continue promoting peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, leaders of the Imo community, including Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu; Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief MacDonald; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndị Imo in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu, represented by Chief James Odocha; National President of South-East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; and the Labour Party Abia South Zonal Women Leader, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi, unanimously endorsed Otti for another term.
They praised the governor’s transformational leadership, citing achievements in road infrastructure, environmental sanitation, flood control, security, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as reforms in education, healthcare, transportation and the power sector.
The speakers also commended the First Lady for her support to the administration, describing her as a proud daughter of Imo State.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Founder of the Local Boys Movement, Comrade Chukwuma Azode, described Otti as the best leader the state has produced in many years.
He said the endorsement by Imo indigenes reflected widespread appreciation of the governor’s performance, adding that Abia and Imo remain one people regardless of political affiliation.
In his vote of thanks, Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, who is an indigene of Imo State, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to delivering massive support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
