Governor Alex Otti Urges Nigerian Youths to Redefine Politics Through Integrity and Service

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on Nigerian youths to transform the country’s political culture by embracing ethical, value-driven, and service-oriented leadership.

Speaking at the 5th graduation ceremony of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja on Saturday, the governor challenged the graduating class of 2025 to see politics as a platform for service, not a profession for job seekers.

“Politics has been reduced to a vocation. Politics is not a job; if you don’t have a job, go and find one. You need to have done something before you come into leadership,” Otti said. “If you’re not doing anything, then you are jobless. Go and build a track record before aspiring to lead.”

He warned against the recurring mistake of giving leadership positions to people without relevant experience, stressing that “you can never give what you don’t have.”

Otti emphasized the importance of education in shaping quality leadership, describing an educated person as one who questions assumptions, demands evidence, and seeks informed solutions. He commended the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, founded by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, for addressing Nigeria’s leadership gaps and preparing a new generation of leaders.

“The most urgent challenge facing our democracy is poor preparedness among political actors,” Otti noted, expressing optimism that SPPG graduates would reshape Nigeria’s political and governance landscape in the coming decades.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Governor Otti recounted his long struggle to secure the governorship of Abia State, including electoral losses in 2015 and 2019. He described the 2015 election as “one of the darkest days in our history,” stating that despite his clear victory, another candidate was declared the winner. He also revealed surviving an assassination attempt that same year, crediting divine protection for his survival.

Otti outlined his administration’s achievements since assuming office, citing improved security, road infrastructure, education, healthcare, and renewed public trust in government institutions. He described Abia as one of Nigeria’s safest and most business-friendly states today.

Addressing the graduates, the governor urged them to reconnect citizens with governance. “Tell them they can no longer remain at the periphery. Remind them they bear the brunt of bad policy decisions. Invite them to step in and become co-owners of the process of electing those who decide our social and economic destinies,” he said.

He encouraged the SPPG Class of 2025 to be “models of excellence” who embody integrity, competence, and commitment to the public good in their future political and professional engagements.