2027: Don’t Sell Abia’s Future for Political Handouts, Otti Warns Voters

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has cautioned voters against trading the state’s future for temporary political gratification, warning that accepting money and other inducements from politicians could undermine the state’s development prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by HOD (Information)
Government House, Umuahia
Divine Nwankwo and made available to journalists in Monday.

Otti, who spoke on Sunday, urged Abians to look beyond immediate material benefits and consider the long-term consequences of their electoral choices, alleging that politicians responsible for the state’s challenges over the past 24 years were seeking to regain political influence.

The governor spoke at the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba, on the theme, “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” drawn from Acts 17:11–12.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Otti warned voters against allowing financial inducements and gifts to determine their choices at the polls, stressing that such decisions could have consequences for the state’s future.

“The people that created a problem that God now had to answer your prayer to send someone after His own heart, they are all over again. But the Bible says surely they shall proceed no further.
Please, let us be careful,” he said.

The governor added: “Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years.

Even prayer and fasting will not open it.
“May we not lose what God has given to us on a platter of gold.”

Otti also urged Christians to be vigilant as politicians intensified their engagements ahead of the elections, noting that some political actors who previously showed little interest in the church and its members were now making renewed efforts to court their attention.

“Like we have been told, the season is here again, and politicians are everywhere. The Bible says we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy.
“These are devices. Many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church. Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back. Those are devices,” he said.

The governor said the first three years of his administration had largely been devoted to laying a solid foundation for the state’s development, assuring residents that the next four years, beginning in 2027, would focus on consolidating the gains made so far.

“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins,” he said.

He added that Abia would witness further development as his administration consolidated its efforts, expressing optimism that the state would become an even stronger point of reference.

On the church’s development projects, Otti assured the congregation of his administration’s willingness to identify with the project until its completion.

He, however, reiterated that public funds must be directed towards the development of Abia State rather than individual religious projects.

The governor commended the guest speaker for delivering what he described as an appropriate and unadulterated message for the present time.

He said the synod’s theme was particularly relevant as the country approached another political season, stressing the need for Christians to verify information and critically examine issues before reaching conclusions.

“Christians, we have the capacity to change the negative narrative of this nation, and especially our state,” he said.

Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr Nathan Kanu, said the synod’s theme challenged Christians to move beyond merely hearing messages to thinking deeply, examining issues prayerfully and responding wisely.

Kanu commended Otti for identifying with the church and supporting its activities. He also presented gifts to the governor’s representative and prayed for God’s blessings upon the governor and his administration.

In his sermon, the guest speaker and Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku, challenged Christians to examine whatever they heard carefully before taking action.

Speaking on the topic, “The Bereans’ Wisdom,” with biblical references from Acts 17:12–15, Oparajiaku said the synod’s theme was timely and relevant, urging Christians not to accept information uncritically.

“The theme of the synod is very important and apt in this our time. It didn’t say throw it away; it says think through it,” he said.

He regretted that Christians who were expected to exercise discernment were sometimes deceived.

He maintained that a sound understanding of the Bible would help church members guard against deception, noting that the Bereans were commended for examining what they heard rather than accepting everything without scrutiny.

“When members of the church know the Bible, they would not be deceived,” he said.

The cleric thanked God for giving Abia the opportunity to be governed by Otti, whom he credited with changing the state’s narrative.

The synod attracted several dignitaries, including the National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, South-East zone, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha; the party’s state chairman, Sir Peter Azubuike; the Mayor of Osisioma Local Government Area, Hon. Chidi Agu; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr George Chiedozie; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Godson Anucha; and prominent Aba industrialist, Pastor Bob Udeagha, among others.