The political atmosphere in Abia State is charged as Governor Alex Otti prepares for a significant meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja this week. The scheduled visit, confirmed for early December 2025, has sparked intense discussions, with the state's chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) laying down a clear agenda for the governor.
APC Group's Direct Message to Governor Otti
In a formal statement released ahead of the meeting, the Abia APC Renaissance Group has directly addressed Governor Otti. The group, represented by Comrade Udeagha Agbayi, urged the governor to use this strategic opportunity to advance the political and developmental interests of Abia State. They emphasized that the meeting presents a crucial chance for Otti to strengthen his relationship with the president and align the state more closely with the ruling APC at the federal level.
The group's expectations are specific. They have called on Governor Otti to address what they term an ongoing clampdown on opposition activities in Abia, particularly those involving supporters of the federal government's Renewed Hope agenda. Furthermore, they demand transparency on financial matters, urging the governor to provide a detailed explanation of how his administration has utilized foreign loans and other resources allocated for the state's development.
List of Specific Demands and Allegations
The statement from the APC group included several pointed allegations and demands:
- Governance from Private Residence: The group accused Governor Otti of running state affairs from his private home instead of the Abia Government House, despite significant funds reportedly spent on renovation projects across the state.
- Questionable School Renovation Funds: They highlighted the reported N54 billion allocation for school renovations, alleging that the physical state of many schools does not reflect such a massive expenditure.
- Minimum Wage Non-Implementation: The governor was asked to address the alleged non-payment of the approved minimum wage to certain health workers in the state.
Political Stakes and 2027 Implications
The Abia APC Renaissance Group did not mince words regarding the political consequences. They warned that Governor Otti's failure to adequately address these concerns during his meeting with President Tinubu could impact his prospects for seeking a second term in office. The group framed the visit as a unique opportunity for the governor to correct what they described as "anomalies" in his administration, cautioning that such a chance may not present itself again soon.
This intervention follows previous actions by the group, including a petition sent to Nigeria's top security agencies in October 2025, calling for an investigation into Governor Otti over allegations of incitement. The group has also been active in other political matters, recently throwing its support behind Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, defending him against what it called "blackmail by faceless individuals."
As the details of the meeting between Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Tinubu remain undisclosed, the demands from the Abia APC Renaissance Group have set a clear political backdrop. The outcome of this high-level discussion is now being watched closely, as it holds significant implications for governance, opposition politics, and future electoral dynamics in Abia State.
