Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has called on Christians not to shy away from political participation, stressing that active civic engagement remains vital to sustaining good governance and societal progress.
Governor Otti made the call on Sunday, during the 28th Anniversary celebration of Zam Jehovah Night themed “Breaking Barriers”, at the Assemblies of God Church, 123 Tenant Road, in Aba.
The Governor called on residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards through the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) of the Independent National Electoral Commission; ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He warned that apathy could allow leadership to fall into the wrong hands and stressed that active participation during the 2027 general elections remains key to sustaining the state’s ongoing development.
“It is important to recognize that another election is approaching next year and many people here may not have registered to vote.
“In the past, some believed politics should be avoided, but we must remember that power belongs to God; therefore if believers stay away, others will take charge.
“If you have not registered, now is the time to do so and for those who have registered, ensure you come out to vote.he only way to sustain the good work happening in Abia is through your votes”, he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Governor Otti said that his eventual emergence in 2023 was a fulfilment of divine promise, despite unsuccessful attempts in previous election cycles.
The Governor encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations, noting that persistence would ultimately yield results.
“It has now been three years since March 2023, when God changed our story. When God speaks, it must come to pass.
“We tried in 2015 and 2019, and many advised us to give up. But we held on to the promise in Ezekiel 21:27: ‘I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, until it is given to him whose right it is’.
“That message is for everyone, no matter what you are believing God for, do not give up; even after multiple setbacks, remain steadfast because at the right time, it will come to pass,” he said.
Governor Otti who congratulated the church on its 28th anniversary programme, reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with the congregation.
The Governor expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of the people, noting that the majority of Abians were satisfied with the performance of his administration.
He commended the congregation for their faith and continued support for his administration and prayed for the fulfilment of their requests to God
Earlier, the Senior Pastor, Assemblies of God church, Rev Ogboso Ejindu, described Governor Otti as a hardworking and people-oriented leader who has broken long-standing barriers in Aba.
Rev Ejindu said that the governor’s focus on tangible development rather than fanfare had led to visible improvements in the city.
He described criticisms of the Otti-led administration’s ongoing urban renewal efforts as noise, noting that residents appreciates the changes and urged the governor to remain consistent.
The event featured prayers for the governor as well as the presentation of a white horse sculpture to him by the church in recognition of his progressive and excellent leadership style.
The event was attended by the Speaker of Abia House Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr Obilor Anyanwu, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Emmanuel Oti, and other dignitaries.
