Prepare Your Will If You Plan to Write Election Results in Abia — Governor Alex Otti Warns

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to individuals plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election, advising them to prepare their wills before attempting such actions.

Speaking during his monthly media chat, Governor Otti clarified that his statement was not a threat but a caution informed by intelligence reports indicating that certain displaced politicians were boasting about plans to rig the next election.

He dismissed recent remarks credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stressing that power belongs to God.

“I do not have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 in 2025,” Otti stated. “If anyone already knows what will happen, that is between him and God. I know that power belongs to God and He gives it to whomever He pleases. We are advised not to speak when the Lord has not spoken.”

Governor Otti urged the Deputy Speaker to focus on his legislative duties. “He should concentrate on the jobs he has been given. If he wants to run for governorship in 2027, that’s fine, but let’s respect the law. When you gather people and announce that you will take over in 2027, that is campaigning,” he said.

The Governor also addressed his personal relationship with Kalu, noting that it predates politics. “This is the second time he has publicly attacked me and my administration. I forgive him. I believe he feels intimidated by the overwhelming show of love from the people of Aba and Umuahia,” Otti added.

The Governor went further to commend the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for its sustained efforts in maintaining a clean environment. “We declared an emergency on waste management, and now we are moving into recycling to turn waste into wealth,” he said, noting ongoing partnerships with institutions to develop sustainable solutions.

On economic revitalization, Governor Otti revealed progress on reviving key industries. “The Star Paper Mills in Owerrinta and Aba are back. We reached an agreement with AMCON to pay in installments and will soon take ownership. The plan is to bring in experts to manage them as private enterprises and create jobs,” he explained.

He also disclosed active engagements with owners of Aba Textile Mill and Modern Ceramics for similar revival efforts.

Addressing education, Otti highlighted that 5,395 new teachers had resumed work, but the state still faces a shortfall of about 9,000 teachers. “We are hiring 4,000 more to meet demand. Our Smart Schools project is progressing well, and many are being retrofitted to ensure safe learning environments,” he said.

Governor Otti announced that over 8,000 solar-powered streetlights have been installed across the state. “Light drives away darkness. Aba and Umuahia will soon enjoy steady electricity supply as Aba Power reaches full capacity,” he noted.

He confirmed ongoing reconstruction of general hospitals and the recruitment of 774 healthcare workers. “We received about 500 successful applications, including from other African countries. This shows growing confidence in our healthcare system,” he said.

Otti expressed appreciation to Abians for the warm reception given to President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit, where several road projects were commissioned. He disclosed that the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and 9.3-kilometre Ihechiowa Ring Road would soon be flagged off.

On the issue of local government allocations, Otti emphasized synergy between the state and local councils. “Every project touches the local government areas. There is no isolation in governance,” he explained.

He also addressed speculation about his alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing it as false. “We do not take decisions because others have done so. We act based on conviction,” Otti concluded.