Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, likened the political journey of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to that of the biblical prodigal son.
Keyamo made the comparison during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia International Airport, an event that highlighted the Governor’s political and developmental contributions to the state.
The minister’s comments were both dramatic and reflective, suggesting that Otti’s time in the Labour Party was only temporary and that he would eventually return to his former political home—the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Otti, who initially belonged to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made a significant political shift in 2020 when he joined the APC. However, his journey took another turn when he left the APC to join the Labour Party, under which he contested and won the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Keyamo’s remarks during the airport event captured the essence of Otti’s political zigzag.
“The President’s motivation was also the fact that he loves the governor of this state, he loves his spirit,” Keyamo began. “I know the comments he has made about the governor of this state and how much people here love him so much.”
The minister continued, highlighting Otti’s political shifts. “Today is not the day for politics, but he strayed away. He was with us, he strayed away like the prodigal son,” Keyamo said.
This statement not only reflected Keyamo’s political views but also suggested a deep sense of confidence in Otti’s eventual return to the APC fold.
Keyamo further explained the background of the airport development project, which has become a symbol of the state’s progress. “When I called Dr. Alex Otti and I broke the news to him, he said no, I will partner with you. I will also put in counterpart funding. Let us upgrade it to an international airport,” Keyamo explained.
The initial plan for an airstrip was significantly upgraded after Otti agreed to partner with the federal government, leading to the construction of an international airport, a project that is expected to bring greater economic growth to Abia State.
Keyamo, who played a pivotal role in the project, expressed pride in the collaborative effort. “This was what happened. As Minister of Aviation, I’m just telling you the trajectory,” he said.
While the focus of the event was the airport’s development, Keyamo’s remarks about Otti have ignited political discussions across the country. Many are questioning what this shift in political alliances means for the future of Abia State and the APC.
Governor Otti’s political moves have sparked widespread attention. His defection from APC to Labour Party during the lead-up to the 2023 gubernatorial elections was seen as a bold move that paid off, securing his victory. However, Keyamo’s statement raises questions about Otti’s long-term political future and whether his departure from the APC was a temporary break or a permanent split.
The “prodigal son” analogy is particularly poignant, as it draws from the biblical story of a son who leaves his family, only to return after facing hardships and realizing the value of his home. By using this analogy, Keyamo suggests that despite Otti’s departure from the APC, the door is still open for his return.
Otti’s political journey has been anything but conventional. His shift from APGA to APC, and later to the Labour Party, reflects the fluidity of Nigerian politics, where party loyalty is often in flux. His time in the Labour Party was marked by his focus on the developmental needs of Abia State, particularly in terms of infrastructure and economic growth.
In recent years, the APC has seen several defections, with many political figures moving between parties in search of greater influence and power. Otti’s potential return to the APC could be seen as part of a larger trend of realignment within Nigerian politics.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia International Airport was a significant milestone for the state. The airport’s development is expected to enhance Abia’s economic prospects and strengthen its connectivity with other regions. For Otti, this project represents a major achievement in his tenure as governor, showcasing his ability to collaborate with the federal government and implement ambitious projects.
Despite Keyamo’s confident assertion that Otti will eventually return to APC, only time will tell if this prediction comes true. Otti’s political future remains uncertain, with many awaiting his next move.
The question remains: will the “prodigal son” return to the APC, or will his political journey continue in a different direction? As the political landscape in Nigeria evolves, so too will the choices of leaders like Otti.
