2027 Re-Election: ‘I Will First Consult God’ – Gov. Otti Declares At Grand Civic Reception In Okpuala Ngwa

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said he will seek divine direction before deciding on a potential re-election bid in 2027.

The Governor made this known on Saturday during a grand civic reception and appreciation ceremony organized by the Oha Isiala Ngwa People of Isiala Ngwa North and South, held at the Sam Ihesiulor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa.

Amidst rousing endorsements from stakeholders and a mammoth crowd of supporters, Governor Otti emphasized that, just like in 2023, the decision for 2027 will ultimately be left in the hands of God.

“Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God,” the Governor stated. “So, while I thank you for this endorsement… I would only say that I will go back and consult with my God. And as time goes on, my response will be made public.”

The event was convened to honour Governor Otti for his “towering and excellent performance” in governance, with emphasis on his numerous completed and ongoing projects across Isiala Ngwa North and South LGAs.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Otti explained the administration’s focus on Aba, describing it as a deliberate economic strategy to bolster the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for broader development.

“Our concentration on Aba is because we know that Aba has the capacity to generate revenue to develop other parts of the State. It is our commercial hub—not just for Abia, but the entire South-East and South-South.”

He restated his government’s commitment to inclusive development across the state, announcing that the Mgboko–Ntigha road project will be completed by December 2025.

On the ongoing Abia Airport project located in Nsulu, the Governor clarified that its siting was based purely on technical merit and not politics. He assured that all affected landowners had been fully compensated, describing the project as more than just an aviation terminal, but a future economic hub.

“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city. There will be hotels, plazas, markets, and even an Air Force base. It is a transformational project.”

The Governor also used the occasion to welcome prominent defectors from the PDP, Accord Party, and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers into the Labour Party. He announced plans to upgrade the Sam Ihesiulor Stadium to a modern standard facility, directing the Commissioners for Works and Youth & Sports to commence work immediately.

Top political figures including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, in their goodwill messages, hailed the Governor’s achievements and urged him to seek a second term, declaring that “there is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031.”

Also speaking, Mr. Obinna Anaba and Mr. Cyril Ishmael praised the administration’s strides in infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development, reaffirming the people’s unwavering support for the Governor.

In a show of international solidarity, Dr. Ugochukwu Agu, President of the Ngwa National Association in the USA and Canada, lauded the administration’s education reforms and announced new scholarship and skills acquisition initiatives by the diaspora community to align with the government’s goals.

The grand civic reception drew a large crowd of stakeholders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, government appointees, and grassroots supporters, all rallying behind the Governor’s transformative agenda for Abia State.