Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly denied widespread rumours suggesting he is planning to leave the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or join any new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Otti made this clear during a dinner in Umuahia on Tuesday, marking the start of the 2025 mid-year retreat for government appointees. He used the opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty to the Labour Party and his commitment to the people of Abia State.
Otti Sets the Record Straight
Governor Otti addressed questions that had been circulating among political observers and members of the public, especially about his political future and the possibility of defecting to another party. He dismissed these speculations, saying, “I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to decamp to.”
He continued, “We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. So, we are not attending any coalition meeting, I have not attended any one, and nobody has invited me.”
Otti explained that while there have been challenges within the Labour Party, these were resolved at the Supreme Court and he is now focused on delivering on his promises to the people.
He added, “I am happy where I am. Yes, we had issues. If you don’t have issues, you are dead. So, you wake up and there is one problem or the other, you solve the problem. You don’t run away from a problem and pretend to have solved it.”
No Plans to Borrow for Consumption
Governor Otti also took time to address claims that his administration has been borrowing money to run the state. He strongly denied these claims, insisting that Abia State has not taken any new loans since he assumed office in May 2023.
“There is nothing wrong with criticising the government, but you must criticise with facts. Opinions are free, but facts are sacred,” Otti said. “Some people have come out to say that we are borrowing; they are lying. Did I borrow from them? I saw a report yesterday that says that 26 out of the 36 states have actually reduced loans in the last 12 months, and Abia came first, having reduced its debt profile by 57.20% in one year.”
He made it clear that while his government is not against borrowing, it will only do so for projects that will benefit the state in the long term. “We will borrow when we need to borrow. We will borrow for regenerative investments. We will not borrow to eat. We will not borrow to consume. We will borrow for capital expenditure.”
Focus on Water Projects and Development
Looking ahead, Governor Otti announced that providing clean and safe water is now a top priority for his administration. He revealed that new water projects will soon be launched in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state.
“We want to get to that level where you open your tap and you have public water running. In the next few weeks, we are going to flag off the water project in Aba around CKC. There is also another one in Umuahia and a lot of other places. We will get there,” he promised.
To ensure effective delivery of these and other projects, Otti said a new Project Implementation Bureau has been set up. The bureau is headed by Onyinye Nwosu, a former General Electric employee in Canada who returned to Nigeria to contribute to Abia’s growth.
Celebrating One Year of Economic Advisory Council
The dinner also marked the first anniversary of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, a 20-member team of experts guiding the state’s development strategy. The Council brings together professionals from different fields to help the government make informed decisions and drive economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the Co-Chair of the Council, Prof. Ms. Arunma Oteh, said, “It is a pleasure to serve in the Economic Advisory Council.” She praised the governor’s vision and thanked all members for their dedication.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, also expressed gratitude to the Council members for their sacrifices and support in helping the administration succeed.
Notable members present at the event included Prof. Ms Arunma Oteh (Co-Chair), Mrs Ifueko Okauru (Chair, M&E Committee), Mr Victor Onyenkpa (Chair, Financing/Roadshow Committee), Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, and Dr Olugbenda Adesida. Members of the State Executive Council and other political appointees were also in attendance.
Staying Focused on Mandate
Governor Otti made it clear that his main focus remains on fulfilling his promises to the people of Abia State. He emphasized that he is not distracted by rumours or political games, but is determined to deliver real results.
He said, “We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. Our eyes are on the goal, and we are not looking for where to decamp to or join any coalition. We are here to serve.”
Conclusion
Governor Alex Otti’s message is clear: he is not leaving the Labour Party for the APC or any coalition. He remains committed to his mandate and to the people of Abia State. By focusing on development, transparency, and good governance, Otti hopes to set an example for leadership in Nigeria. As he continues his work, he urges Abians to ignore rumours and trust in his administration’s vision for a better future.
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