Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared that political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections will not distract his administration from its core mandate of delivering tangible development to the people of the state.
Governor Otti made the declaration on Saturday while attending a worship service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Umuikaa District Headquarters, in Isialangwa South Local Government Area, alongside his wife, Priscilla Chidinma Otti.
Addressing the congregation, the governor said his attention remains firmly fixed on governance rather than early electioneering, stressing that his emergence in 2023 was divinely ordained and that he harbours no anxiety about the next electoral cycle.
“I am not bothered about 2027. The same God who settled 2023 will also settle 2027,” Otti said.
He maintained that his administration would continue to take decisions in the best interest of Abia people, regardless of criticism or attacks from political opponents.
“No one, or group of people, whoever they are, is entitled to distract us. When they make noise, as I said last week, we should not be bothered. We should just remain focused and do what we have to do,” the governor stated.
Otti’s comments come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in the state, marked by a war of words between the governor and some former governors of Abia State. Former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu have, in recent weeks, been vocal in their criticisms of the current administration. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in particular, has publicly vowed to prevent Otti from securing a second term in 2027.
Responding indirectly to these political jabs, Otti expressed confidence in divine guidance and electoral fairness, suggesting that attempts to unsettle his government were premature and misplaced.
“Sometimes, I worry whether it is the 2027 election they are talking about, or maybe there is another election coming up. But the same way God delivered me in 2023, that is the way He will deliver me in 2027,” he said.
The governor’s remarks were also seen as reinforcing his administration’s stance that governance, not politicking, remains its priority. Only last week, the Abia State Government cautioned opposition figures against attempting to drag the governor into national political rivalries, particularly by portraying him as being at odds with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev Fr Christian Anokwuru, the government warned against what it described as calculated efforts to mislead the public and politicise governance.
“When former governors and past political office holders, whose records are still fresh in the collective memory of Abians, congregate to challenge the leadership of Dr Alex Otti, the public is entitled to interrogate not just their claims, but also their credibility,” Anokwuru said.
He added that criticisms of the Otti administration were being framed around the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda in a manner that lacked substance.
“Everything about your supposed criticism against Dr Alex Otti’s administration is resting on ‘Renewed Hope.’ It is expected that an opposition made up of former governors should build arguments based on their own achievements, not by name dropping President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.
Beyond political issues, Governor Otti used the church visit to address ongoing development projects across the state, particularly road construction and rehabilitation works. He apologised to residents for the inconvenience and dust associated with the ongoing projects, assuring them that the discomfort would soon give way to improved infrastructure.
“As you can see, we are at the final stages of dualising this road. It is a federal road, but we got approval from the Federal Government to reconstruct and dualise it,” he explained.
According to the governor, the project is part of a broader infrastructure plan designed to transform major entry points into Abia State.
“As we are doing this, we are also working from Onuimo to Tower. The idea is that any time you get into Abia State, you know you have gotten into Abia State,” Otti said, emphasising his administration’s commitment to quality and visible development.
The service also provided an avenue for supporters of the governor to publicly express their backing. Members of the Alex Otti Vanguard Movement for Continuity 2027, including Dr Fineboy Ikechi Joseph, Elder G.C. Ukaegbu and Elder E.C. Alozie, praised the governor’s performance in office and urged him to remain focused.
According to them, the achievements recorded by the administration across critical sectors such as infrastructure, fiscal discipline and public service reforms are sufficient to earn the governor the confidence of Abians for a second term.
“Governor Otti’s achievements across the state are enough to guarantee him a second term in office. His benevolence and leadership have brought hope to Abia people,” the group said.
The church service featured a sermon delivered by Masterguide Chidera Mark, titled “Living With Eternal Perspective.” Drawing from Isaiah 40:28 to 31, the preacher reminded the congregation of God’s unchanging nature and the strength He gives to those who trust in Him.
He referenced the state’s recent political history, noting that Abia had faced numerous challenges before the emergence of the current administration.
“Before Governor Otti came, there were issues to worry about in Abia State, but his emergence brought hope. His re-election would sustain the hope and good works being witnessed today,” Mark said.
The service ended with prayers offered for Governor Otti, his administration and the continued peace and development of Abia State.
As political activities gradually begin to take shape ahead of 2027, Otti’s message appears clear: his government remains focused on governance, infrastructure delivery and restoring public confidence, leaving electoral matters to the future and, as he repeatedly emphasised, to God.
