Otti Remains Coy on Second Term, Says He’ll Consult God

 Abia State Governor Alex Otti has kept political stakeholders guessing about his intentions for a second term in 2027, stating on May 30, 2025, during a town hall in Umuahia that he would “consult with my God” before deciding.

The 60-year-old Labour Party governor, marking his second year in office, emphasized his focus on delivering infrastructure and economic growth, dismissing premature election talk as a distraction. Otti’s cryptic remark, made in response to supporters chanting for his re-election, has fueled speculation about his political strategy, with some interpreting it as a calculated move to maintain leverage amid Labour Party internal conflicts.

Since taking office in May 2023, Otti has prioritized road rehabilitation, clearing pension arrears, and reviving Aba’s industrial hub, earning praise for transparency. His administration completed 90 roads by May 2025, with 120 more underway, and attracted $150 million in private investment. However, critics, including PDP members, accuse him of sidelining rural areas and failing to address unemployment, which stands at 15% in Abia.

Otti’s refusal to commit to a second term has sparked debate, with allies like Mazi Chetachi Ikpe of the Peter Obi Grassroots Movement urging him to focus on governance rather than probing his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu. Political analysts suggest Otti’s spiritual rhetoric reflects his cautious approach, avoiding entanglement in Labour Party’s leadership crisis, where Julius Abure’s faction is investigating him for alleged anti-party activities. As 2027 nears, Otti’s decision will shape Abia’s political landscape, with supporters hopeful his achievements will secure a mandate, while opponents eye his indecision as an opportunity.