ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has cautioned political opponents against dragging his administration into early permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that governance and development remain his priority.
The governor’s warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, following remarks made during a church service at the weekend.
According to the statement, Otti spoke while addressing worshippers on Saturday at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Umuikaa District Headquarters, in Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
He made it clear that his administration would not be distracted by political manoeuvring or premature campaign activities ahead of the next election cycle.
“No one or group of people whoever they are is entitled to distract us,” the governor declared.
Otti said his government was solely focused on fixing Abia State and improving the welfare of residents, stressing that the 2027 elections were not part of his immediate concerns.
“I assure you that this government will continue to do the right thing. When people make noise, we should not be bothered by the noise. We should remain focused and do what we have to do,” he said.
The governor also brushed aside speculations about his political future, attributing his victory in the 2023 governorship election to divine intervention.
“Sometimes, I wonder whether it is the 2027 election they are talking about, or maybe there is another election somewhere. But the same way God delivered 2023 is the same way He will deliver 2027,” Otti added.
Responding to concerns raised by the church leadership over flooding and poor drainage around the church premises, the governor directed the Commissioner for Works to extend ongoing drainage construction to the Umuikaa junction.
He further apologised to residents for the dust and inconvenience caused by the ongoing Umuikaa junction-Owerrinta road project, describing it as a temporary discomfort associated with development.
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“As you can see, we are at the final stages of dualising this road. It is a federal road, but we obtained approval from the Federal Government to reconstruct and dualise it,” Otti said.
He noted that similar reconstruction works were ongoing along the Onuimo-Tower axis, explaining that the goal was to give the state a distinct identity through quality infrastructure.
“The idea is that anytime you enter Abia State, you should know you have entered Abia State,” the governor stated.
Otti assured the church and residents that his administration would continue to govern the state “in truth and honesty,” while thanking them for their prayers and sustained support.
In separate remarks, leaders of the church and political support groups, including the Alex Otti Vanguard Movement for Continuity 2027, commended the governor’s performance, describing his re-election as assured based on what they called his visible achievements across the state.
They also reiterated calls for drainage intervention around the church and adjoining areas to curb persistent flooding.
The service featured special prayers for the governor and the state and was attended by his wife, Priscilla Otti, commissioners, local government officials and other dignitaries.