Governor Alex Otti Declares Support for Tinubu's Potential 2027 Re-election
In a significant political statement, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has announced that he will not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should the latter decide to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election in 2027. Otti made this declaration during his monthly media chat held on Friday night at the Government House in Umuahia, addressing questions from journalists.
Clarification on Political Appointees and Party Stability
The governor clarified that political office appointees interested in contesting elective positions in the 2027 general elections should remain in their roles for the time being. He emphasized that they would vacate office at the appropriate time, in accordance with established rules. This response came amid concerns that Otti had not directed such appointees to resign, unlike some other state governors.
Otti further stated, "I am not in a position to oppose President Tinubu's candidacy. I have no basis to challenge his re-election, as I am not contesting for the presidency but seeking a second term as governor of Abia State." He also addressed claims of internal party strife, asserting that there is no crisis within the Labour Party at any level in Abia. He noted that the Supreme Court has resolved earlier disputes, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has respected the judgment. The party is currently conducting membership registration ahead of upcoming congresses and a national convention.
Infrastructure and Economic Development Initiatives
Governor Otti disclosed several key projects aimed at boosting Abia State's infrastructure and economy. He revealed plans to convert a partially completed Government House project, initiated by the previous administration, into a five-star hotel. The current Government House location is being rebuilt into a suitable structure, with discussions ongoing with a major hotel chain to repurpose the uncompleted site at Ogwurube Layout into a hospitality facility.
Other notable developments include:
- Addressing rising house rents by developing housing estates to increase supply.
- Reconstructing 10,000-bed student hostels and launching an international secondary school at Abia State University, Uturu, where 10,255 students recently graduated.
- Restoring electricity to the university after decades of blackout and planning a 15-megawatt independent power solution.
- Securing a $200 million investment from Presco Plc for palm plantation development across four locations.
- Being considered for the second phase of a $350 million multi-state agricultural programme.
- Commissioning a $35 million beverage plant in Aba, with expansion plans estimated at $75 million.
- Ongoing work at the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park in Ukwa, including a proposed modular refinery.
Healthcare and Security Updates
In the healthcare sector, Otti announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated an MRI machine worth $1 million to the state. Out of an approved 774 healthcare workers, 569 have been recruited, with recruitment still open. Additionally, 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
On security matters, Otti commended residents and security agencies for maintaining peace during a recent protest, which was handled professionally without escalation. He confirmed that 200 hectares of land have been approved for a Nigerian Air Force base at the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, developed in partnership with the Federal Government. Regarding alleged herdsmen-related tensions, Otti urged residents to remain law-abiding and warned against taking the law into their own hands, assuring that criminal activities, including destruction of farmlands, would not be tolerated.
