Imo Indigenes in Abia Endorse Gov. Otti for Second Term, Praise Transformational Leadership Henrietta Ashikodi Umuahia

Imo Indigenes in Abia Endorse Gov. Otti for Second Term, Praise Transformational Leadership

Henrietta Ashikodi
Umuahia

Imo indigenes resident in Abia State on Wednesday gathered in their numbers in Aba to celebrate the transformational agenda of Governor Alex Otti. They said they had never seen it this good in the state and pledged to massively vote for his re-election in 2027.

The endorsement was made at a grand civic reception organised on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by _Ndi Imo_ in Abia, in honour of Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. The event was attended by indigenes of Imo State from the 27 Local Government Areas resident in Abia.

Speaking at the event held at the pavilion of the Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Governor Otti assured that he would continue to implement policies that benefit everybody in the state, irrespective of state of origin. He reiterated that there is no concept of state of origin in Abia State under his administration.

The Governor commended the Imo people for the show of love and the large turnout to appreciate him and his wife, who hails from Mbaise in Imo State.

He assured the people of more good things to come, adding that in the next few years, they would witness greater achievements in the state.

“This is just the beginning. We have been here for just three years. And by the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see what will happen. Like the Americans say, ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet.’ You know what people write on social media — they are worried about what will happen after now.

“The reality is that once you have found your feet, there is no going back to Egypt. So, what will happen after now is that we will continue to develop and do better,” Gov. Otti stated.

Responding to their request on the recall of workers who were disengaged around 2011-2012, the Governor said most of them would by now be old. He stated that he had directed that their entitlements be calculated and paid to them.

“I have also listened to a plea about recalling those who were disengaged a long time ago, about 2011-2012, if I am not mistaken. I thought I had given that directive when the Anambra people received me.

“It was not just for Anambra people, it was for everyone. The reality is that some of those people who were disengaged 15, 16, 17 years ago have become so old that they can no longer go back to work.

“So, what we said was that we would calculate their entitlements and pay them. Anambra people have received their entitlements. Maybe you need to show up for verification and you will be paid. Let me also make it very clear, and all of you know that in Abia State there is no state of origin,” the Governor disclosed.

Dr. Otti commended the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, for identifying with him. He assured the Imo State Governor that Imo indigenes resident in Abia are not only secure but are also considered indigenes in Abia State.

Speaking on behalf of the Imo State Governor, his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara, said the large number of Imo people at the reception was testament that they are happy with their stay in Abia and with the state governor.

He disclosed that the Governor is their in-law, noting that the wife of Governor Otti is from Imo State. He said behind every successful man is a good woman, and urged Imo indigenes resident in Abia to continue to be peaceful and law-abiding.

Earlier in their separate speeches, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu; Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief MacDonald; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of _Ndi Imo_ in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu, represented by Chief James Odocha; National President, South East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; Zonal Women Leader of the Labour Party in Abia South, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi; State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW; and Founder of the Local Boys Movement, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Chukwuma Azode, unanimously endorsed Governor Otti for a second term in office and commended his transformational leadership and outstanding achievements in Abia State.

They extolled his commitment to good governance, noting that his administration has addressed long-standing challenges through infrastructure, security and improved power. They commended the invaluable support of the First Lady, Lady Priscilla Otti, describing her as a worthy daughter of Imo.

In a vote of thanks, an Imo indigene and Commissioner in the Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, assured the Governor of their support for his re-election.

Speaking to our reporter during the occasion, Dr. Ikechukwu Ijemba, a BOT member of _Ndi Imo_ in Aba, Treasurer, and owner of Chris Mary Hotel, Aba, said since Otti became Governor, he had given appointments to their sons and daughters. He listed steady electricity, infrastructure including roads, and security as key achievements, and said their endorsement was a clear statement of support for his re-election.

Also speaking, the Leader of Echezona Street Vanguard, Mr. Michael Aniorji; MD of Kingswell Hospital, Aba, Dr. Ugochukwu Okoro; and Chairman of Ngwa Market, Aba, Chief Ejim Munachimso, and M.C Ifeanyi Ahanaihu of Magic FM, noted that since the inception of democracy in the state, this was the first time they were witnessing this level of development. They likened the Otti administration to that of the late Sam Mbakwe, adding that with what he is doing in Abia, he will never be forgotten.
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Some coordinators of the various LGAs of _Ndi Imo_ in Abia who spoke to our reporter — Ambassador Cosmos Ukata from Oru East LGA, Barr. Uche Anyaiam from Nkwere LGA, Mr. Chinedu Okere from Ngor Okpala, Mr. Augustine Opara from Aboh Mbaise, Mr. Frank Onuoha from Ahiazu Mbaise, Mr. Christian Orumadu and Chief Ferdinand Onuoha from Njaba — said many of them have resided in Abia for most of their lives. They added that the rate of development and rising property values in the state are signs that good things are happening.

They disclosed that they have ensured that their children who are 18 and above have obtained their PVCs, and that many have also transferred their PVCs to Abia for the purpose of re-electing Otti in 2027.

The highlight of the occasion was the display of various masquerades, dance, and music from Imo State.
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