Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party (LP), declaring that if an election were to be held today, he would contest on the party’s platform.
Governor Otti made this assertion on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the January 2026 edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” a monthly media interaction with journalists in the state .
According to the Governor, recent judgments by both the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court on the leadership crisis within the Labour Party have vindicated his position and that of other party leaders who remained loyal to the party.
“We had consistently maintained that the tenure of Barrister Julius Abure had expired. He went to court, and the Supreme Court affirmed that his tenure had indeed expired. The apex court also advised that people should be humble enough to vacate office when their tenure ends, to save the courts from unnecessary litigation,” Otti stated.
He further noted that the Supreme Court’s clear pronouncement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s leader had settled the matter.
“With the clear pronouncement asking INEC to recognize Senator Nenadi Usman, and I am aware that the Certified True Copy has been forwarded to them, INEC will do the right thing,” he said.
Reiterating his political stance, the Governor added:
“I am in the Labour Party. If election happens tomorrow, I will run under LP. But nobody knows tomorrow.”
Governor Otti also used the forum to provide updates on key projects and reforms across the state.
He said the administration has intensified efforts to make education accessible and affordable, noting ongoing reconstruction and renovation works at Abia State University, Abia State College of Education, Arochukwu, and facilities used by Abia Polytechnic.
“Construction is currently ongoing at the male and female hostels at the Abia State University ,Uturu , while several renovated hostels have already been put into use”
In basic education, the Governor disclosed that school enrollment has increased from 170,000 to over 300,000 pupils as of the end of the previous month, describing the development as a major milestone. He also confirmed that the recruitment of additional 4,000 teachers is currently ongoing .
On infrastructure, Otti revealed that over 30 road projects under direct labor are ongoing across the state, with many nearing completion. He announced that the Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Arochukwu Road will be commissioned on February 13, while construction of the Uratta–Old Express Road, Aba, will be flagged off shortly.
The Governor also disclosed plans to commence housing projects for civil servants, alongside additional housing developments in Mgbarakuma and Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti announced a groundbreaking partnership to digitally rate all hotels and tourist attractions in Abia State using global positioning and international classification standards, allowing visitors to assess facilities and make informed choices.
In the area of science and technology, he revealed plans to launch a biotechnology pilot project that will convert waste to biogas energy, particularly to support power supply in Umuahia.
He further announced that Abia State has officially taken over electricity regulation from the national regulator.
“Our offer to EEDC has been accepted, and on the 24th, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority took over from NERC. Electricity regulation in Abia will now be handled by the state,” he said.
On healthcare, the Governor said Project Ekwueme, involving the construction and rehabilitation of 200 Primary Healthcare Centres, has been completed, stressing that facilities were only opened after being fully equipped and staffed.
He also confirmed the award and commencement of construction of a new General Hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East, with land donated by the Omega Power Ministry (OPM) Apostle Chiubuzor Gift Chinyere. The hospital, he said, would be completed before the end of the year.
Water projects in Aba (CKC axis), Ariaria, Umuahia, and Arochukwu College of Education are nearing completion, with the Governor reiterating his vision of ensuring running water in homes across the state.
Governor Otti also announced plans to allocate land to the Zonal Disability Commission for the construction of its headquarters and acknowledged the need to provide a dedicated bus for persons living with disabilities.
Reacting to criticisms from former governors, Otti dismissed their comments as “noise.”
“Ordinarily, I have refused to respond. Someone said he wants to sue because I am not operating from Government House. My lawyers are waiting,” he said.
He explained that the Government House and Governor’s Office were in a dilapidated state when he assumed office and are currently undergoing reconstruction.
Governor Otti added that the political disagreements began only after a Former Governor of Abia State Dr Orji Uzor Kau attacked his administration during a visit in Ebonyi state .
“I think he forgot that he was not in his House, he was in Ebonyi where he lampooned us that he will work for the President and ensure that his part takes over the whole of Abia State from the Local Government to the Governorship , if he has been in his House like he has always been and I don’t think we would have responded “
“We just asked a simple question, this President you havs always known, did you work for him in 2023, if you did show us the results of the election that was conducted the same day his own was”
He said nothing went wrong in their relationship except that someone started attacking us.
“Nothing went wrong in our relationship until someone began attacking us,” he concluded.
While appreciating Abians for their continued support, the Governor announced that the electric buses which has been taken Abians free to their various destinations will continue until the end of February 2026.
