“No Distractions, Just Results”: Otti Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to Abia’s Transformation

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has firmly put to rest speculations about his political future, declaring that his focus remains squarely on delivering good governance and consolidating the mandate given to him by the people of Abia State.

Speaking during the December edition of the Monthly Media Parley, “Governor Otti Speaks,” on Tuesday, the Governor ruled out any immediate plan to defect from the Labour Party, despite recent political developments and public commentary following the exit of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Governor Otti explained that he joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi and was fully aware of Obi’s decision to leave the party. While wishing him well, the Governor said he had chosen to remain and continue efforts to stabilise the Labour Party, which he described as the platform that brought him to office.

According to him, discussions about alternative political alignments would only arise after all internal efforts to strengthen the party have been exhausted, stressing that politics would not distract him from fulfilling the promises made to Abia people.

Addressing comments credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, inviting him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Otti made it clear that he had taken a conscious decision not to be distracted by political overtures. While commending Hon. Kalu for his philanthropic outreach to vulnerable persons during the Christmas season, the Governor declined to engage in political back-and-forth.

Invoking a quote attributed to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Governor Otti remarked that one cannot reach a destination by responding to every distraction along the way, noting that his administration remains focused on its development agenda.

Beyond politics, the Governor used the forum to highlight notable achievements and ongoing reforms across key sectors of the state’s economy. In the health sector, he revealed that his administration is renovating and functionalising Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, with an initial target of 200 facilities. He disclosed that 16 centres have already been completed in Bende Local Government Area alone, explaining that the process takes time due to the government’s insistence on meeting minimum operational standards.

Governor Otti also announced that Abia State recently won multiple national awards for Health Emergency Preparedness, Primary Healthcare Leadership, and Partnerships—recognitions he attributed to the dedication of healthcare workers and the Ministry of Health.

In education, the Governor said his administration has continued the renovation, fencing, and securing of public schools, alongside the rollout of Smart School Projects, assuring that more interventions would unfold from 2026.

On transportation and environmental sustainability, the Governor revealed that the state has deployed 20 electric buses under a pilot scheme, currently offering free services across major routes. He disclosed that an additional 20 buses are on the way, with plans to deploy up to 100 electric buses across the state by the end of 2026.

Governor Otti also highlighted major progress in the power sector, including the restoration of electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area and the operationalisation of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority following the signing of the Electricity Law. He explained that with Aba now ring-fenced under Aba Power and Geometric Power, the state is preparing to take over electricity distribution in other local government areas currently served by EEDC.

On security, the Governor commended security agencies for maintaining relative peace across the state, noting that proactive strategies have helped prevent potential threats. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to reviving moribund industries to boost internally generated revenue and create jobs, citing the recovery of Star Paper Mills, Aba, and ongoing efforts to resuscitate Afro Beverages, Owerrinta, among others.

Governor Otti also assured workers of continued welfare support, noting that salaries are paid on or before the 28th of every month, with leave allowances already approved for civil servants.

Despite the magnitude of inherited challenges, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental management, security, and industrial revival—insisting that Abia’s transformation remains firmly on course.