Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on the citizens of the state to ignore the recent political movements by opposition groups aimed at the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a church event in Umuahia, the Governor dismissed these gatherings as self-serving and insisted that those now making noise had their chance to transform the state in the past but failed to deliver.
The Governor made these remarks at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church headquarters in Umuoriehi, Umuahia North, during the dedication of a newly renovated church building. Otti characterized the opposition’s alliance against his administration as a “failed project,” using a popular proverb to suggest that only empty barrels make the most noise.
Drawing from the scriptures to reassure his supporters, the Governor quoted the books of Isaiah and Lamentations, suggesting that any gathering not ordained by a higher power is destined to fail. He told the congregation that he does not believe the opposition deserves the dignity of a formal response, as their focus remains on their own interests rather than the welfare of the ordinary people of Abia.
Addressing the work his administration is doing, Otti promised to stay focused on changing the state’s narrative. He described the opposition as a “tiny minority” and urged the public not to lose sleep over their political maneuvers. He emphasized that his goal is to continue the development projects that the majority of Abians are already benefiting from.
The Governor also took a moment to clarify the funding behind the renovation of the church building. He stated clearly that no government funds were used for the project, noting that he maintains a strict line between public money and his personal contributions to his faith. He reminded the audience that his history of supporting the church dates back many years, long before he took office, including leading a major fundraising effort for the conference office in 2012.
During the service, Pastor Kennedy Ihuoma, the President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the Abia North-Central Conference, encouraged the members to remain faithful in their endeavors. He praised Governor Otti for his continued support of the church and offered prayers for his continued success in leading the state.
