Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has paid a New Year courtesy visit to his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirming the resolve of all five Southeast governors to accelerate development in the region and ensure its full integration into Nigeria.
The visit, which took place on January 2, 2026, in Abia, underscored unity among the governors despite their differing political affiliations. Uzodimma (APC) leads the South East Governors Forum, while Otti belongs to the Labour Party (LP).
The other governors in the zone are Prof. Charles Soludo (APGA, Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (APC, Ebonyi), and Dr. Peter Mbah (APC, Enugu).
Speaking to journalists afterward, Uzodimma described the visit as apolitical and aimed at strengthening collaboration for the benefit of the Southeast.
"My visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well," Uzodimma said.
"I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better."
He praised Otti's performance in delivering dividends of democracy to Abia residents and emphasized regional cooperation: "We in the Southeast are determined to develop the region.
"And the only way we can do this is through collaboration. The five of us have decided to make sure that the Southeast is part of Nigeria."
Uzodimma was accompanied by his wife, Chioma; former Imo Governor Ikedi Ohakim; Chief of Staff Nnamdi Anyaehie; and other state officials.
In response, Governor Otti welcomed the visit as a step toward collective progress, noting that while politics was discussed, the focus remained on governance.
"This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics," Otti said.
He stressed that sub-national governments cannot act as opposition to the federal system they are part of: "Once a decision has been taken, you are part and parcel of that decision."
Otti expressed gratitude for the New Year wishes and reiterated Abia's commitment to Nigeria.
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