Political tensions are escalating in Abia State as former governors and opposition leaders move to block Governor Alex Otti’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general election.
Leading the charge are ex-governors Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Theodore Orji, who recently announced a political alliance, “The Team,” aimed at returning the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and capturing all elective positions.
The group has accused Otti of running the state from his private residence in Nvosi rather than the Government House in Umuahia and hinted at possible legal action.
Senator Kalu criticized Otti’s administration, claiming that federal allocations have not been effectively utilized and alleging that most projects involve repainting and rehabilitating roads constructed during his tenure.
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While Kalu supported Otti in 2023, he pledged to work solely for the APC in 2027.
Otti’s camp dismissed the opposition’s moves as politically motivated, with Special Adviser Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru saying Abia residents can clearly judge the difference between past administrations and the current government.
Analysts suggest the alliance is driven by self-interest, noting that Otti’s abolition of salaries and allowances for former governors disrupted entrenched privileges.
Civil society groups argue that Otti’s infrastructure projects and governance reforms surpass previous administrations’ performance.
As 2027 approaches, Abia is set for a high-stakes political battle between entrenched interests and performance-driven governance.