Otti Urges Abia Voters to Reject Cash, Food Inducements Ahead of 2027

By Atlantic Reports

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged voters to reject money, food and clothing offered to influence their electoral choices, warning that immediate material benefits could come at the expense of the state’s development.

Otti delivered the message through his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, on Sunday at the second session of the seventh synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi-Umuocham, Aba.

The governor urged residents to assess politicians by their records and the long-term implications of their promises as the 2027 general elections approach.

He alleged that politicians responsible for the state’s difficulties during the 24 years preceding his administration were returning to seek support. He did not name the politicians concerned.

“Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years, because even prayer and fasting will not open it,” he said.

His remarks were a warning about electoral inducements, rather than evidence of a specific incident of vote-buying.

Scrutinise Political Appeals, Governor Tells Christians

Otti also urged church members to examine renewed attention from politicians critically, saying some who had previously been inaccessible were becoming more responsive as elections approached.

“Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back. Those are devices,” he said.

He linked his appeal to the synod’s theme, “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” encouraging Christians to verify information and consider issues carefully before reaching conclusions.

“As Christians, we have the capacity to change the negative narrative of this nation; especially our state,” he said.

Otti Outlines Consolidation Ambition

The governor described the first three years of his administration as a period of laying foundations for development. He said a further four years, beginning in 2027, would focus on consolidation.

“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins,” he said.

“What will now be happening is consolidation and beauty will emerge.”

The remarks outlined his administration’s political ambition, but did not provide specific project targets, funding commitments or implementation timelines for the proposed consolidation.

Otti assured the congregation of support towards completing its development projects. However, he reiterated his position that public funds should be used for state development rather than financing religious projects. He did not specify the form that the promised support would take.

Church Leaders Emphasise Critical Thinking

Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese, Dr Nathan Kanu, said the synod’s theme challenged Christians to move beyond listening to messages and examine issues prayerfully before responding.

Kanu commended the governor for supporting the church’s activities, presented gifts to his representative and prayed for the administration.

In his sermon, the guest speaker and Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku, urged Christians to exercise sound judgement and avoid accepting claims without reflection.

Speaking on “The Bereans Wisdom,” he said the theme encouraged believers to examine what they heard rather than immediately accepting or dismissing it.

“The theme of the synod is very important and apt in this our time, it didn’t say throw it away, it says think through it,” he said.

Oparajiaku expressed concern that Christians sometimes fell victim to deception and urged them to deepen their understanding of the Bible. He also praised Otti, crediting him with changing the state’s narrative.

Those at the synod included the Labour Party’s National Vice-Chairman for the South-East, Ishmael Onuoha; its Abia State Chairman, Sir Peter Azubuike; and the Mayor of Osisioma Local Government Area, Chidi Agu.

Others included the governor’s Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr George Chiedozie; Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Godson Anucha; and Aba industrialist Bob Udeagha.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.