Those Campaigning Against Otti in 2027 Are Wasting Time – Catholic Bishop of Umuahia
Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has said those campaigning against Governor Alex Otti in 2027 are wasting their time, praising Otti’s two-year achievements including road projects, Aba renewal, and debt repayment as proof of leadership rooted in service.
The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has declared that those already campaigning to take over from Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in 2027 are wasting their time.
Bishop Ukpong made the statement on Sunday, August 17, when he hosted Governor Otti to a lunch at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, in celebration of the Governor’s second anniversary in office. He praised Otti’s administration for delivering visible results within two years, noting that the Governor’s achievements have already campaigned for him.
The Bishop said that projects once thought impossible in Abia have now been achieved under Otti.
He cited the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge as an example, describing how it was previously a nightmare for travelers but has now been transformed. “Since I became an adult, travelling from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, once you get to Igwu bridge the journey became scary. But now nobody is scared of the bridge again because of the work you have done there. What I thought was impossible in the past is now possible,” Bishop Ukpong said to applause.
The cleric also recalled his bitter experience in 2018 traveling to Arochukwu via Ndi-Oji road, which he described as a nightmare due to the poor state of the road. He contrasted that with his journey earlier this year on the same route after Otti’s intervention, which took him only 25 minutes from Amuvi Arochukwu to Igwu Bridge. “I couldn’t believe it,” the Bishop exclaimed.
Ukpong further stated that Otti’s work in Aba has made residents proud to be Abians again, adding that even comedians now joke that contesting against him in 2027 would be a waste of time. “Abians will vote for you except those who don’t like good things,” he said.
The Bishop went as far as to say that if tenure elongation to a third or fourth term were possible, leaders like Otti should be allowed to continue.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked the Bishop for hosting him and for acknowledging the modest achievements of his administration. He attributed much of his campaign success to the churches. “Our greatest support came from the churches,” Otti noted.
The Governor emphasized that leadership is about stewardship and service, promising that better days lie ahead. He revealed that despite inheriting huge debts, his government had repaid nearly 60 percent within two years while still delivering projects, all without borrowing locally.
On the recently approved $263 million loans from the African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank, Otti assured that the funds would only be drawn when necessary and would be prudently managed to expand people-centered development across the state.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmerigini, Hon. Chinasa Anthony Abiola, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, Commissioner for Transport Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, among others.
