Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has played down recent comments and political moves by some opposition leaders in the state, urging residents to ignore what he described as empty noise from people who failed Abia in the past.
Governor Otti spoke on Saturday at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, during the dedication of a new church building. His comments came amid rising political tension following reports of an alliance by three former governors of the state—Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu—against his second-term ambition.
The governor made it clear that he was not worried by the reported gang-up, saying that those involved had already had their chance to lead Abia but did not deliver meaningful development to the people.
According to him, the recent statements and meetings by the opposition were nothing more than noise and should not distract Abians from the ongoing work of his administration.
“Pastor Uguru made reference to the noise that you may have been hearing in the last few days,” Otti said while addressing the congregation. “I want us to just dismiss it as noise. It’s always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise.”
He added that the people behind the opposition move were only a small group and did not represent the wishes of the majority of Abia residents.
“They are a tiny minority,” the governor said. “God doesn’t make mistakes, and He doesn’t have an unfinished project. So, I don’t want anybody to lose sleep or worry about it.”
The comments by Governor Otti followed reports that former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu had begun discussions aimed at stopping Otti’s re-election in the next governorship election.
Orji Uzor Kalu governed Abia State from 1999 to 2007 and is currently a serving senator. Theodore Orji succeeded him and ruled the state from 2007 to 2015. Okezie Ikpeazu then took over and was governor from 2015 to 2023 before Otti won the governorship election under the Labour Party.
Over the years, Abia State has faced challenges such as poor road networks, unpaid salaries and pensions, weak health facilities, and slow economic growth. Many residents have often blamed successive administrations for the state’s problems, accusing past leaders of poor management and lack of accountability.
Governor Otti, a former banker, came into office in 2023 on a promise to clean up the system, fix infrastructure, and restore public trust in government. His victory marked a major political shift in Abia, ending the long dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Since taking office, Otti has repeatedly criticised previous administrations, saying they left the state in a bad condition. He has also launched projects in road construction, civil service reforms, health, and education, while claiming to block leakages in government finances.
In his speech, Governor Otti accused the opposition figures of putting their personal interests above the collective good of Abia State.
He said the same people now coming together against him were responsible for the problems Abia faced over the years, adding that they lacked the moral ground to criticise his government.
“The people gathering against us are the same people who had the opportunity to develop Abia and failed,” Otti said. “Their interest is not the development of Abia, but their personal and political interest.”
He also declared that any alliance formed against him would not succeed, insisting that the people of Abia could see the difference his administration was making.
“Every gathering against what God is doing will scatter,” he said confidently.
The governor urged Abians to remain calm and focused, assuring them that his administration would not be distracted by political attacks or distractions.
He said his government would continue to work hard to change the story of Abia State and improve the lives of the people.
“Our focus remains on governance,” Otti said. “We will continue to change the narrative of Abia State for the better.”
He also used the church event to thank religious leaders for their support and prayers, noting that faith-based institutions had a role to play in promoting peace, unity, and moral values in society.
The reported alliance of former governors from different political backgrounds has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some residents see it as a move driven by fear of losing relevance, while others believe it reflects deep divisions within Abia’s political elite.
Supporters of Governor Otti argue that his performance so far gives him an advantage, especially among civil servants, traders, and young people who say they are beginning to see improvements in governance.
Critics, however, insist that Otti should expect opposition as part of democracy and should focus on delivering more visible results across all parts of the state.
As political tension slowly builds in Abia State, Governor Otti’s latest comments suggest that he is ready to face any challenge ahead. By dismissing the opposition alliance as “empty barrels,” he has drawn a clear line between his administration and past leaders.