Abia Governor Alex Otti faces former governors’ opposition ahead of 2027, while his achievements are defended
Rising political tension in Abia State has emerged ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition leaders vowing to prevent Governor Alex Otti’s re-election.
Also read: Otti vows to block Kalu’s Abia North re-election bid
Former Governors Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, alongside other past political leaders, have formed an alliance called “The Team” to unseat Otti and secure all elective positions for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group has also threatened legal action, claiming Otti runs the state from his private residence in Nvosi rather than the Government House in Umuahia.
Speaking in Umuahia, Senator Kalu accused Otti of limited accomplishments, alleging that the governor was merely repainting roads constructed during Kalu’s tenure from 1999 to 2007.
“I consider the Governor my friend. We worked for him to win in 2023. We are not going to do that again,” Kalu said, promising to support the APC in 2027.
Reacting to the opposition, an aide to Governor Otti, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, described the campaign against the governor as “chasing shadows.”
He argued that former leaders were using President Bola Tinubu’s achievements to bolster their relevance, rather than demonstrating their own past legacies.
Political analysts and rights advocates have also weighed in.
Nduka Odo, a public affairs analyst, said the opposition’s efforts are motivated more by the protection of entrenched political and economic interests than by party politics or the welfare of Abia citizens.
Odo highlighted Otti’s policy of abolishing salaries and allowances for former governors, a move that diverged from longstanding practice and challenged the old political order.
Olu Omotayo, President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), defended Otti’s administration, pointing to visible development projects and infrastructure improvements across the state.
He stressed that genuine performance is measured by impact on citizens rather than propaganda.
Similarly, Onyebuchi Igboke, convener of the Office of the Citizens, described the opposition as “self-serving,” claiming that former governors are primarily motivated by political relevance and access to federal appointments.
Igboke noted that Otti’s achievements in just over two years surpass the combined 24-year tenure of the former governors.
Also read:Â Otti mocks Abia opposition relying on Tinubu for 2027
Despite the opposition’s threats, analysts and Otti’s aides maintain that the governor’s visible development projects, governance reforms, and public approval provide a strong defence ahead of the 2027 polls.
