"I'm Not In Any Coalition": Governor Alex Otti Reaffirms Loyalty to Labour Party, Dispels Defection Rumours

 

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has come out strongly to dismiss growing rumours surrounding his alleged plans to defect from the Labour Party to either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a well-attended dinner in Umuahia on Tuesday evening, an event marking the beginning of the 2025 mid-year retreat for government appointees, Otti reassured political observers and citizens alike that his loyalty to the Labour Party remains firm. He noted that his focus has not shifted from delivering on the mandate given to him by the people of Abia.

Otti addressed the swirling political speculations head-on, responding to questions raised by members of the Global Economic Council. According to him, the reports about five governors planning to decamp to the APC are baseless.

“I am still in the Labour Party. I have not attended any coalition meeting and no one has invited me to such gatherings,” Otti stated. “We are committed to the work we were elected to do. Abians gave us a job and that is what occupies our time. We are not seeking new political homes.”

Touching on the party’s internal struggles, the governor acknowledged that while there had been challenges, those disputes were taken to the Supreme Court where resolutions were reached. He stressed that conflicts are natural in any active political structure and should be confronted rather than avoided.

“We had issues, but if there are no issues, then you’re not alive. Life is about solving problems, not running from them. You don’t pretend problems don’t exist; you address them,” he added.

Otti also took time to address another circulating narrative, this time about the financial standing of his administration. Accusations have surfaced suggesting that Abia State has been borrowing heavily under his leadership, a claim he dismissed outright.

He clarified that since taking office in May 2023, no new loans have been obtained by his government. In fact, Otti cited a recent report indicating that Abia State has led the nation in reducing its debt burden, slashing it by 57.20 percent in just one year.

“There’s nothing wrong with criticism, but such criticism must be based on verified facts. Saying we are borrowing when we are not is misleading,” he said. “When we say we have not borrowed, we say so with evidence. But let me be clear, not borrowing now doesn’t mean we’ll never borrow. We will borrow when necessary, but only for regenerative investments. We will never borrow to fund consumption.”

One of the key focus areas of his administration moving forward, according to the governor, is the restoration and development of potable water systems in Abia. He announced that water projects will be flagged off in major parts of the state, including Aba and Umuahia, in the coming weeks.

“We are working to ensure that residents can open their taps and have access to clean, running public water,” he said enthusiastically. “In Aba, around the CKC area, and in Umuahia, new water projects will soon be underway. This is just the beginning of what we are building for Abia.”

To help bring these initiatives to life, the state government has created a Project Implementation Bureau. The new unit will be led by Onyinye Nwosu, a former employee of General Electric in Canada, who has returned home to contribute to the progress of the state.

The dinner event also marked a significant milestone, celebrating the first anniversary of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. This 20-member body, made up of seasoned professionals, has been instrumental in guiding Abia’s development strategy.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Council, Co-Chair Prof. Ms Arunma Oteh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing her experience as both impactful and rewarding.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, lauded the efforts of the Council members, acknowledging their selfless dedication and the critical role they have played in supporting the state’s transformative agenda.

Several key members of the Advisory Council were present at the event, including Mrs Ifueko Okauru, Chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee; Mr Victor Onyenkpa, Chair of the Financing and Roadshow Committee; Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, and Dr Olugbenda Adesida, all of whom have contributed actively to various state initiatives.

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose as the governor and his team reinforced their commitment to transparency, growth, and service. For Otti, the message was unmistakable; his loyalty lies with the Labour Party, his priorities lie with Abia State, and his goals remain firmly rooted in sustainable development.