Otti Vows to Prioritise Development, Warns Politicians Against Premature 2027 Campaigns

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising development and institutional reforms over partisan politics, declaring that his government’s focus remains on service delivery and the welfare of the people.

Speaking at a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the Old Bende people at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, Governor Otti said his administration would not be distracted by political scheming ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, “This is still early morning in our developmental journey. We have made some modest contributions which you can see in the brochure, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Let us not distract ourselves; we must focus on the mandate given to us by the people.”

The governor disclosed that Abia ranked fourth nationally in fiscal discipline and first in capital expenditure ratio, noting that 77 per cent of the state’s 2024 expenditure went into infrastructure and that the figure would likely rise to 85 per cent in 2025.

“That is what good governance means—spending on projects that benefit the people, not enriching individuals,” he said.

Otti also announced that the restoration of accreditation at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) marked a turning point for the state’s healthcare system. He assured that the Abia State Specialist Hospitals in Umuahia and Amachara would be fully equipped with world-class facilities by June 2026.

Addressing the political climate, Otti cautioned politicians against boasting or engaging in early campaigns, stressing that only God determines who will lead in 2027.

“Those who boast should stop. You may not even be here in 2027. If you try to play God, I will leave you in His hands,” he warned.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Works to inspect and prioritise key rural roads listed by the Old Bende Progressive Union, including the Bende–Igbere–Ozuitem–Akaeze, Alayi–Item–Nkporo, Umuhu–Isiegbu, and Umuchieze–Uturu roads.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, commended Governor Otti’s strides in infrastructure renewal, revealing that President Bola Tinubu had approved the transfer of some federal roads to the Abia State Government for reconstruction.

Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union and former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Azubuike Udah, described Otti’s leadership as transformative, saying Abia had entered a new era of purposeful governance.

He appealed to the governor to extend his development efforts to rural and agrarian communities to boost agriculture and commerce.

Also speaking, businessman and political leader, Dr. Chima Anyaso, said the reception signified a collective endorsement of Governor Otti by the Old Bende people, promising that the constituency would deliver overwhelming support in the next election.

Other dignitaries present included the immediate past Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Okochukwu; the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Hon. Alex Ikwuecheghi, among others.