POLITICS
My Successor in 2031 Will Be Better Than Me — Governor Otti
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed confidence that his successor in 2031 will surpass his achievements, stating that his administration is laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
Governor Otti made the declaration during a grand reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga–Nkwoegwu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
According to the Governor, his administration is still at an early stage, noting that the real phase of aggressive development for Abia State has begun. He added that longstanding obstacles that hindered the state’s progress have been overcome.
“We have just started. We are not yet three years in. You can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031. There is a time and a season for everything, and this is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State,” he said.
Governor Otti further declared that the state had broken free from the limitations that held it back, stressing that Abia would not return to its past.
“The news I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down. Whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me. So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We have moved,” he stated.
The Governor also spoke on his faith, citing Psalms 62:11, which he said reinforces his belief that power ultimately belongs to God.
“You can do everything you want to do, but if it is not God’s time, it will not work. And when it is God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up,” he said.
Responding to requests from the church for support, Governor Otti confirmed that the Assemblies of God Church would receive a Hummer bus for evangelism within the week, courtesy of Prince Dr. Arthur Eze. He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to engage with the church leadership to work out modalities for the allocation of land for a proposed prayer camp.
Governor Otti commended churches across the state for their support of his administration and expressed appreciation to the Assemblies of God Church for organising the reception in his honour.
Earlier, the District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ogbudu, described the reception as a historic moment of appreciation, noting that Governor Otti’s leadership has redefined governance in Abia State.
He described the Governor as a transformational leader whose administration represents a clear departure from past practices.
“For the first time in our state’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and verifiable results,” Rev. Ogbudu said.
He highlighted the reconstruction and reopening of long-abandoned roads across the state, noting that improved infrastructure has enhanced connectivity, eased transportation, stimulated commerce, and restored dignity to both urban and rural communities.
Rev. Ogbudu further noted that the renewal of critical road networks in Aba and other parts of the state has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia as a credible destination for investment.
Beyond infrastructure, he said the Otti administration has introduced a culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management, with salaries and pensions now paid regularly, restoring hope and dignity to workers and retirees.
“For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence,” he said, adding that the Governor has demonstrated courage in implementing institutional reforms and strengthening governance structures to ensure public office serves the people.
During his address, Rev. Ogbudu requested the provision of a Hummer bus to support evangelism efforts and the allocation of land for a prayer village for the church.
Dignitaries present at the reception included the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha; the Deputy Speaker and other members of the Abia State House of Assembly; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, among others.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has firmly stated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, exerts no influence on party decisions or candidate selections.
Umeh made the clarification on Monday during an interview, while addressing speculations and allegations that he was involved in influencing positions within the party.
The NDC has come under heavy criticism following its recently concluded primary elections across the country. In response to claims linking Obi to the process, Umeh distanced the former Anambra governor from any involvement.
“Peter Obi has not been involved in influencing who becomes what in the NDC. He’s somebody whom you can hardly see drag into a process like this,” Senator Umeh said.
He added that in Obi’s local government area, residents are fully aware of developments and do not require directives from him on whom to support.
Umeh attributed his own decision to join the NDC to the party’s leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson. “It’s because he’s the chairman or the leader of that party that made us join the party, because I work with him in the Senate, and I know his character. I know he stands on national issues,” he explained.
The senator noted that the entry of Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso into the NDC triggered a surge of aspirants seeking various positions. He dismissed complaints of extortion during the primaries, saying those making the claims were attempting to manipulate the process and ultimately “had their fingers burnt.”
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