In a charged atmosphere of celebration and resounding endorsements, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State declared that his decision to seek re-election in 2027 will be determined by divine guidance. The announcement came during a grand civic reception organized by the Oha Isiala Ngwa People at Sam Ihesiulor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa, in recognition of his transformative leadership and outstanding achievements across the state.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters, political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, the Governor expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of confidence but remained measured on his political future.
“Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God,” Otti declared.
“While I thank you for this endorsement — which I see as recognition of what we’ve achieved so far , I will return and consult with my God. When the time is right, I will make my decision public.”
The Governor’s remarks came amid widespread praise for his performance, particularly in Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas, where numerous infrastructural projects have been executed. From road construction to urban renewal in Aba, his administration’s footprint is visible across the state.
He explained that the government’s strategic investment in Aba — the economic heartbeat of Abia — is designed to boost internally generated revenue, which in turn fuels development in other regions.
“Aba is not just our commercial hub; it’s the engine that can power our entire state. Our focus there is deliberate,” he emphasized.
Governor Otti reaffirmed that inclusive development remains central to his agenda. He announced that the Mgboko–Ntigha Road project will be completed by December, adding that simultaneous projects are ongoing in other zones of the state.
Clarifying the location of the proposed Abia Airport at Nsulu, the Governor emphasized that the decision was based on technical merit, not political preference. He revealed that all affected landowners had been fully compensated and outlined the grand vision behind the airport.
“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city — complete with hotels, markets, plazas, and even a Nigerian Air Force base,” he said.
He assured that the few unresolved cases of compensation were due to administrative errors and not deliberate delays.
In a significant political development, members of the PDP, Accord Party, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers declared their support for the Labour Party at the event. To the delight of the crowd, the Governor announced plans to upgrade the Sam Ihesiulor Stadium to a modern standard and directed relevant commissioners to commence the process immediately.
Political heavyweights including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu praised Governor Otti’s leadership, calling on him to recontest in 2027. They insisted that his re-election would ensure continuity of progress, declaring, “There is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Obinna Anaba, and prominent son of the soil, Mr. Cyril Ishmael, described the Governor’s leadership as a blueprint for effective governance in Nigeria.
Adding a global dimension to the endorsements, Dr. Ugochukwu Agu, President of the Ngwa National Association in USA and Canada, commended the Governor’s impact in education and youth development. He announced that the diaspora community had initiated scholarship and skills acquisition programs to support the administration’s vision.
The civic reception attracted sons and daughters of Isiala Ngwa from all walks of life — academics, business leaders, political actors, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, and the grassroots — all united in their support for Governor Otti. With chants of solidarity echoing through the stadium, the message was clear: the people are ready to go the distance with their Governor — if and when he says “yes” to 2027.
