2027: Otti Warns Abia Voters Against Selling State’s Future for Political Inducements

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has cautioned residents against accepting money and other material inducements from politicians seeking their support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otti gave the warning on Sunday while addressing the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral in Aba.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, urged voters to consider the long-term consequences of their electoral choices rather than allow immediate financial benefits to influence their decisions.

He alleged that some politicians seeking to regain political power were responsible for challenges his administration was working to address, urging residents to exercise caution when assessing their promises.

“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,” he said.

Otti also urged Christians to remain vigilant as political activities intensified, alleging that some politicians who had previously shown little interest in the church and its members were now making renewed efforts to reach them for political reasons.

He noted that politicians who had previously ignored calls from residents were suddenly becoming more accessible, describing the development as a reason for voters to scrutinise their intentions.

The governor said the first three years of his administration had largely focused on laying the foundation for development in the state, adding that the next four years, beginning in 2027, would concentrate on consolidating the gains made.

He expressed confidence that sustained efforts would improve the state’s development and living conditions, while urging residents not to jeopardise the future through decisions driven by temporary material benefits.

On the church’s development projects, Otti assured the congregation of his administration’s commitment to supporting their completion. He, however, maintained that public funds should primarily be directed towards the development of the state rather than individual religious projects.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Aba Ngwa North Diocese, the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Nathan Kanu, commended the governor for identifying with the church and supporting its activities.

In his sermon, the guest speaker, Bishop Chidi Oparajiaku of the Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, urged Christians to examine information carefully and make thoughtful decisions rather than accept everything they hear without scrutiny.

Otti’s warning comes as political parties and aspirants intensify consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with voter inducement and the role of citizens in determining the state’s political future likely to feature prominently in the campaigns.