“Otti Has Already Campaigned Through His Good Works” – Catholic Bishop Backs Governor for Second Term

The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rev. Michael Ukpong, has publicly declared support for Governor Alex Otti’s second term bid, stating that the governor’s performance in just two years has already “campaigned for him.”

Speaking during a lunch held in Otti’s honor at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, the cleric praised the governor’s achievements, describing them as transformative and impactful. He pointed to key infrastructure projects that had long seemed impossible until Otti took office.

“There was a time I sent you a text, telling you that for the first time, ‘Abians are proud to be Abians’,” Ukpong said.

He specifically cited the rehabilitation of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge and the Arochukwu–Ohafia Road as examples of the governor’s visible impact.

“Since I became an adult, travelling from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, once you get to Igwu bridge, the journey becomes scary until you cross the bridge… But now, nobody is scared of the bridge again because of the work you have done there.”

“What I thought was impossible in the past is now possible. I didn’t know that in my lifetime that the bridge would be like what it is now.”

The bishop also recalled the poor state of the Ndi-Oji road to Arochukwu as of 2018 and noted the significant improvements made since then.

“So, the saying that there is no easy route to Aro has been destroyed by His Excellency. There are good roads to Aro now.”

Commending Otti further, Bishop Ukpong emphasized that the governor’s performance has naturally earned him the people’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Whoever is going to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State is wasting their time. The governor has campaigned for himself already through good works. So, you can just sleep — Abians will vote for you, except those who don’t like good things.”

He jokingly added:

“If it is possible to elongate the tenure to the third and fourth terms, with somebody like you, we will not bother about that.”

Governor Otti Responds

In his response, Governor Alex Otti expressed gratitude for the bishop’s words and the support received from religious institutions and other stakeholders.

“Our greatest support came from the churches,” Otti said, recalling the critical role they played during his campaign.

Reiterating his commitment to service and responsible leadership, the governor said:

“Leadership is all about stewardship and service. Anytime leadership moves away from stewardship and service, it becomes self-serving and selfish.”

He assured the gathering that his administration is doing more with less:

“We don’t like complaining as that will not solve the problem. We are dealing with the situations with the little resources available to us, paying back debts left behind by our predecessors, paying back almost 60% of the debts and doing other things we have done in the last two years without borrowing any kobo.”

On the recently approved $263 million loan facilities from development banks, Otti clarified that the funds would only be accessed when needed and would be managed prudently.

Government Officials in Attendance

Governor Otti was accompanied at the event by several top state officials, including:

• Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu
• Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Nmerigini
• Hon. Chinasa Anthony Abiola, representing Umuahia Central State Constituency
• Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba
• Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna
• Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu

The event underscored growing public and institutional support for the Otti administration, with many now openly advocating for the continuation of his leadership beyond 2027.