Abia Governor Tells Residents to Ignore Politicians' Election Offers

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged voters to turn down any financial or material offers from politicians. He warned that accepting such deals could harm the future of the state in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Otti shared this message on Sunday during the 2nd Session of the 7th Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi-Umuocham, Aba.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, asked citizens to focus on long-term development rather than short-term gifts from politicians.

He claimed that the same politicians who caused the state’s problems over the past 24 years are now coming back to ask for votes.

Mr Otti warned against letting these politicians hinder the progress his administration is trying to achieve.

"The people that created a problem that God now had to answer your prayer by sending someone after His own heart, are all over again.

"But the Bible says surely they shall proceed no further. Please, let us be careful. When God opens a door, may we not close it.

"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.

"May we not lose what God has given to us on the platter," he said.

Governor Otti also called on Christians to stay alert. He warned that some politicians who used to ignore the Church are suddenly showing interest.

"Like we have been told the season is here again and politicians are everywhere and as the Bible says we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy.

"These are devices because many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church.

"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.

Mr Otti mentioned that the first three years of his administration focused on building a strong foundation for development. He said the next four years, starting in 2027, would focus on strengthening that foundation.

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

"What will now be happening is consolidation and beauty will emerge.

"This present house (Abia State) you are seeing today, in the next four years, you will know that God has really come to tabernacle in the midst of man.

"Today Abia State has become a point of reference," he said.

Regarding the Church's development projects, Mr Otti assured the congregation of his administration’s support for their completion.

But he stressed that public funds should be used to develop the state, not to support religious projects.

The governor praised the guest speaker for delivering a clear and honest message. He encouraged Christians to check facts and think critically before forming opinions.

He noted that the synod’s theme, "Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through," taken from Acts Chapter 17 verse 11 to 12, was relevant as the country nears another election season.

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