DEVELOPMENT
Northern and Yoruba Communities in Aba Endorse Governor Alex Otti for Second Term, Laud Infrastructure Revival, Inclusivity, and Economic Stability
The Northern and Yoruba communities resident in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, have formally endorsed Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for a second term in office, citing his outstanding performance, inclusive governance style, and far-reaching infrastructural and economic reforms across the state.
The endorsement was announced on Thursday during a joint courtesy visit to the Government House, Umuahia, by a high-powered delegation of the two communities. The delegation was led by the Sariki of Aba, His Royal Highness Sariki Shehu Bello II, alongside the President of the Yoruba Community in Aba, Pastor Basorun Adedeji.
Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the Northern and Yoruba communities, Sariki Shehu Bello II commended Governor Otti for what he described as exceptional leadership and visible transformation of Aba and Abia State at large, noting that the Governor has earned the trust and support of non-indigenous residents through performance rather than rhetoric.
According to the Sariki of Aba, the impact of the current administration is evident in the massive reconstruction of internal roads in Aba, improved cleanliness, restored street lighting, enhanced security, and the general revival of commercial activities in the city.
“Your Excellency, as stakeholder in this economic engine of this state, we see your hard work daily from the massive reconstruction of internal roads in Aba, the restoration of the city’s dignity through cleanliness and lightening.
Your administration has turned our “Enyimba city” into a place where we can once again be proud to do business. Because of your commitment to infrastructure, security, our markets are safer and our logistics are more efficient.
Your Excellency, it is often said that the reward of good work is more work.
We have observed the new Abia project. We have reached a collective prayerful conclusion. The progress we see today must not be interrupted.
On behalf of the Northern and Yoruba community in Aba, I wish to formally state that we are fully in support of your vision beyond the current time.
We hereby endorse Your Excellency for the election in 2027. This endorsement is born out of a desire for stability and continuation of the excellence you have introduced to the governance.”
Sariki Bello II further assured that the Northern and Yoruba communities are fully mobilised and ready to ensure continuity of what he described as the “light” Governor Otti has ignited across Abia State, stressing that the communities remain committed to peace, lawful conduct, and partnership with the state government.
He pledged the unwavering loyalty of his people to the administration, affirming that they would continue to serve as partners in progress with the Abia State Government.
The leader of the Northern community also expressed gratitude to the Governor for fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect, where residents are treated equally irrespective of origin, noting that, “This inclusivity is the bedrock of peace we enjoy today.”
Also speaking, the President of the Yoruba Community in Aba, Pastor Basorun Adedeji, described the transformation witnessed in Abia State since Governor Otti assumed office as unprecedented, stating that the endorsement was the product of careful deliberations and collective confidence in the Governor’s leadership.
He noted that the decision to endorse Governor Otti did not happen by chance but followed extensive consultations within the community.
“Our endorsement of the Governor and this administration come 2027 did not just occur. We had a series of meetings and consultations.
We have endorsed Dr. Alex Otti, the man of the people,” Pastor Adedeji stated.
In response, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his unwavering belief in inclusive governance that transcends ethnicity, religion, and place of origin, emphasizing that anyone who lives or does business in Abia State is regarded as a full Abian.
He highlighted the appointment of the Head of Service of Abia State, Mr. Benson Ojiekere, an indigene of Edo State, as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to merit, describing it as a rare and unprecedented practice in Nigeria.
“As long as you live or do business in Abia state, you are seen as an Abian. It is unlike what is obtainable in some other states; where people are discriminated against by virtue of where they come from,” Governor Otti stated.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, the Governor reiterated that his administration is driven by excellence, competence, and performance, outlining key intervention areas including road infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, power supply, and wealth creation.
He urged the communities to continue partnering with the government to sustain the development momentum, stressing that the administration assumed office fully prepared and focused on delivering results.
“So, the best we can do is to partner this kind of government, that came very well prepared and does not discriminate against where you come from.
*That’s why today, you can see that those who were here before and could not do anything, are becoming very uncomfortable.
“If they had conscience, they would have discovered that a man that has just come around to do what they could not do, the best they could do is to give him support and appreciate what he’s doing.
“What self-centred politicians do is to try to whip up sentiments that you are from here, you are not from my place, you are not from my tribe, you are not worshipping the same God and all the rest of it. Because they have nothing to offer,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor also advised residents of Abia State, especially those who live and conduct business within the state, to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercising their civic responsibilities where they reside.
“If Abia is where you live, where you do business and where you raise your family, then this is your home and where your vote should count,” Governor Otti stated.
The meeting was attended by several top government officials and stakeholders, including the Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Iheke; the Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu ; the Mayor of 
Osisioma Ngwa, Chief Chidi Agu; and other dignitaries.