The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has said he is seeking a second term in office because his administration still has “unfinished work” to complete, stressing that he would not have pursued re-election if his mission had been fully accomplished.
Governor Otti made this known on Monday, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, during a 10,000-man solidarity march organised by stakeholders from the area.
The rally was convened by the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Dannie Ubani.
According to the Governor, “if I had finished the work that I came to do, I wouldn’t be seeking a second term”, noting that significant work remains ahead in his administration’s quest to transform the State.
The Governor who acknowledged the importance of opposition in a democratic system, criticised certain opposition elements in the state, accusing them of engaging in what he described as “politics of witchcraft”.
He noted that it was culturally unacceptable within Igbo society to deny visible achievements such as completed road projects and other infrastructural developments.
Governor Otti also dismissed threats from what he termed “insignificant opposition elements”, which he said do not constitute up to five per cent of the state’s population and maintained that constructive criticism should focus on acknowledging existing achievements while offering better alternatives, rather than denying evident progress.
The Governor used the occasion to urge eligible citizens who are yet to register in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise to do so, warning that participating in political rallies without possessing a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) amounts to “a waste of time.”
He further encouraged members of the Labour Party to complete their e-registration and obtain membership cards to enable them participate in party primaries and support aspirants of their choice.
Reiterating his belief in divine authority, the governor reflected on his political journey, recalling the 2015 Abia State governorship election, which he said he won but was denied, and his eventual victory in the 2023 Abia State governorship election after what he described as “four days of fierce attempts” to thwart his mandate.
He stressed that power ultimately comes from God and that divine timing remains the best.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their continued support and commended the convener of the rally, Mr Dannie Ubani, for organising the event.
In his remarks, Mr Ubani said the rally was organised to demonstrate solidarity with the governor and showcase his leadership style and achievements.
He pledged unwavering support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other speakers at the event, including Dr Chike Nwannunu, Chief Israel Nwaogwugwu and Hon. Barr. Remijus Nji, lauded the governor’s performance in office.
Dr Nwannunu stated that after observing the administration for a year, he became convinced that Governor Otti’s emergence was divinely orchestrated, prompting his decision to support the Governor.
He added that the governor’s achievements in road infrastructure and transport terminals, among others, would remain visible evidence of his legacy even after his tenure.
