As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political tensions are heating up in Abia State. A group of former governors and veteran politicians has united in a determined effort to prevent Governor Alex Otti from securing a second term in office.
Key figures leading this opposition include Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (former governor and current Abia North senator) and Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji (another ex-governor). They recently convened in Umuahia, where they announced the formation of a political platform called "The Team".
This alliance aims to rally support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secure all major elective positions in the state, directly targeting Otti's Labour Party-led administration.
The former leaders have been vocal in their criticism, accusing Otti of underperforming despite substantial federal allocations. Senator Kalu, who supported Otti's 2023 victory, has since distanced himself, declaring he will no longer back the governor and will instead campaign for APC candidates.
He claimed Otti's achievements mainly involve repainting or rehabilitating roads originally constructed during his own tenure (1999–2007), while insisting that past administrations left lasting legacies.
The group has also threatened legal action against Otti, alleging that he governs from his private residence in Nvosi rather than the official Government House in Umuahia.In response, supporters of Governor Otti, including his Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, have dismissed the opposition as "chasing shadows."
They argue that former leaders who presided over years of alleged underdevelopment lack the credibility to criticize the current administration. Public affairs analysts and civil society figures have echoed this sentiment, suggesting the alliance is primarily driven by self-interest—such as protecting personal privileges (including the abolition of pensions and allowances for ex-governors under Otti's reforms) and reclaiming political influence—rather than genuine concern for the state's progress.
Many observers and residents point out that Otti's visible infrastructure improvements and governance reforms in just over two years stand in stark contrast to the combined 24-year rule of previous administrations.
Social media and public commentary have largely rallied behind Otti, with calls for the people of Abia to resist what some describe as a return of "failed" leadership.
The emerging battle sets the stage for a fierce showdown in 2027, pitting an incumbent focused on performance and renewal against a formidable coalition of experienced but controversial political heavyweights. The outcome will likely depend on how Abians weigh tangible development against historical grievances and party loyalties.
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