The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the narrative by the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, describing the explanation offered through his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, as “irresponsible and stupid.”
In a press release issued in March 2026, the party said its attention had been drawn to statements circulating from the governor’s camp regarding a recent media chat and an alleged meeting with a journalist, which it said was being used to disparage opposition voices and trivialize concerns raised about the governor’s conduct.
The PDP clarified that its earlier reaction was not directed at any individual journalist but was based on what it described as a matter of principle concerning the governor’s conduct toward the journalism profession and a media organization during a public engagement.
According to the party, the issue was institutional and rooted in the defence of democratic norms, press independence and respect for professional journalism.
The opposition party expressed regret that the governor and his media aide allegedly responded to the matter with what it described as a dismissive narrative rather than addressing the concerns raised.
It stated that public communication from Government House should reflect restraint, maturity and respect for differing opinions, instead of attempts to ridicule critics or portray opposition voices as enemies of progress.
The party further noted that the criticism of the governor’s conduct was not limited to the opposition, claiming that the issue also drew reactions from media advocacy groups, including the International Press Council, and other global media voices that emphasize press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
The PDP reaffirmed that its position remains focused on the defence of democratic accountability, respect for the media and the protection of civic space for journalists to carry out their duties without intimidation or disparagement.
The statement was signed by the Abia State PDP Publicity Secretary, Jude Udeachara.
