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“2027 Will Be Even Smoother, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” — Abia State Gov. Dr. Alex Otti Assures Abians as Aro Day 2025 Becomes Grand Endorsement of His 30-Month Scorecard.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has declared that the 2027 general election in the state would be far smoother than previous elections, noting that unlike in 2023 when he campaigned on promises, his administration now has tangible achievements to showcase after 30 months in office, with even more milestones ahead.
Governor Otti made this assertion on Friday, December 26, during the 2025 Aro Day Celebration held at the Aro Civic Centre in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Governor arrived at the colourful cultural event in the company of his dear wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti, and his bosom friend, the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Mohammadu Sanusi II, Ph.D., drawing warm applause from the large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, and sons and daughters of Arochukwu.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Otti emphasized the supremacy of governance over partisan politics, stating, “Political parties are platforms for elections. At the end of election, political parties take a back seat and governance take a front seat. And, anytime the reverse becomes the case, you will see problems.”
He expressed gratitude to Abians for acknowledging the progress recorded so far by his administration, adding, “I want to thank everyone who has in one way or the other celebrated what God is doing in this State. We are just instruments being used by God.”
Reflecting on the pace of development in Abia State, the Governor assured the people that the journey had only just begun.
“So, just like the Americans will say, you ain’t seen nothing yet. This is just 30 months and we still have a lot to do.
“2027 is still far away, but a lot of people have started killing themselves before the 2027 comes.
“We are not worried about 2027 because we have a mandate to deliver to our people in four years. We’ve done 30 months. So, we still have a long way to go,” Gov. Otti stated.
Speaking further, the Governor expressed confidence that the next election cycle would be easier than the last, attributing this to visible governance outcomes.
“And, just like it happened in 2023, 2027 will even be smoother, I can assure you. Why I’m I so confident? I’m confident because in 2023, we were selling promises but now, there are one or two things we can point to.
“But one thing that I can take home is that I have the full support of everybody here,” the Governor stated, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
Earlier, the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Mohammadu Sanusi II, Ph.D., who is also the Co-Chair of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council and currently in Abia State for the Christmas holiday, reaffirmed his admiration for Governor Otti’s leadership. He reiterated sentiments he had expressed during the Atani Day Celebration on Christmas Day, where he praised the Governor’s achievements.
Adding to his earlier remarks, the Emir said, “I will always take the Opportunity to congratulate the people of Abia State, for having the wisdom to vote for a man whom I’m sure you all know has already shown in two years what he can deliver as your Governor.
“And, I did not say this because he’s my friend. Usually, I only keep friends who perform. I try to associate with friends that I’m proud to be associated with. I will ill like you to know that it is not just Abians who are proud of him. All of us are proud of him and he represents the kind of governance we are looking for at the subnational level.”
Also speaking at the event, a former Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank and former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria, Prof. Arunma Oteh, who is equally the Co-Chair of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, described Governor Otti as one in a million, noting that he has achieved in two years what others failed to accomplish in 24 years.
In his remarks, the Eze Aro, His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, commended Governor Otti for what he described as exceptional leadership that has restored hope and dignity to the people of Abia State.
Several prominent sons and daughters of Arochukwu, including Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, a chieftain of the PDP from Arochukwu and current Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR, Founder and CEO of NEIMET Pharmaceutical; Mazi Dozie Udensi, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide; and Mazi Victor Ike Okoronkwo, Chairman of the occasion, also took turns to express deep appreciation to Governor Otti.
They lauded the Governor for breaking the long-standing jinx surrounding access to Arochukwu, erasing the age-old saying that there is no easy route to the ancient kingdom, noting that the Otti administration has opened up multiple access routes into Arochukwu, among other development benefits.
Collectively, they described Governor Otti as an excellent performer, an answered prayer, and the fulfillment of long-held dreams of the Aro people and Abia State in general.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque celebrating the heroes past of the Aro Kingdom, honouring those who laid the foundation for the rich heritag
e and progress being celebrated today.