2027: Allow Abians Decide Otti’s Fate, ALGON Tells Ex-Abia Governors

*Passes vote of confidence in Abia governor

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State chapter, has advised past governors of the state to allow Abians to decide the fate of Governor Alex Otti in 2027, rather than ganging up or making divisive statements.Abia State ALGON gave the advice during a press briefing in Umuahia yesterday. It maintained that “Abia State is on a path of renewal and progress, and the future of the state remains firmly in the hands of its people, whose collective judgement will always be respected.

“In a democratic system, leadership is determined by performance and the freely expressed will of the electorate through credible elections, and not by declarations, pronouncements, or political gang ups,” the group added.Abia ALGON was reacting to the recent meeting in Umuahia of three former governors of the state: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and their associates, wherein they stated that their goal was to wrestle power from Otti in 2027.

Chairman of Abia ALGON, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, told journalists that the group “has taken note of recent public statements and political meetings convened by architects of a failed past who are unsettled by the present progress in Abia State, including some former governors and their associates, wherein declarations were made concerning the tenure and political future of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.”

ALGON said while it recognises and respects the constitutional rights of all citizens to freedom of expression and political association, it “considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to pre-empt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in the state through speculative political rhetoric.”The Abia Mayors alleged that the ex-governors and their associates were being haunted by their alleged poor performances while in office and unsettled by Otti’s achievements.

“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and the abysmal record of past administrations,” the group said.

“Every project executed, every service delivered, and every reform implemented under his (Otti) leadership sets a new standard of governance. That standard has unsettled those whose previous tenures left Abia with unmet needs and unfulfilled promises,” they asserted.

The Mayors pledged their commitment to the re-election of Otti in 2027, because he had performed and went ahead to pass a vote of confidence on him.

“ALGON, Abia State, hereby passes a unanimous vote of confidence on His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Governor of Abia State, in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery to our people.”

He noted that Governor Otti has demonstrated clear commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery, “with verifiable improvements recorded across the 17 local governments in recovery, rehabilitation, and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearing backlogs of salaries, and prudent management of public resources” since he assumed office.

The Abia ALGON leader added that the Mayors  could “attest to the growing public confidence in the direction of governance and the tangible benefits currently being experienced by our people.”

The group called on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively by presenting ideas, policies, and alternative visions capable of advancing development, unity, and stability in Abia State, rather than resorting to divisive or distracting statements.”