“God Will Settle 2027”: Gov Otti Dismisses Orji Kalu’s Threats Amid Abia Infrastructure Push

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has sent a firm message to his political detractors, asserting that he remains unfazed by threats regarding the 2027 elections. Speaking during a worship service at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Umuikaa District headquarters in Isialangwa South LGA, the Governor emphasized that his administration’s priority is state development rather than early campaign skirmishes.

Accompanied by his wife, Priscilla Chidinma, Otti struck a chord of spiritual and political confidence, drawing parallels between his hard-fought 2023 victory and the upcoming electoral cycle.

Addressing a congregation of supporters and church members, Governor Otti made it clear that he views his political future as a matter of divine timing rather than opposition strategy.

“I am not bothered about 2027. The same God who settled 2023 will also settle 2027,” he declared.

The Governor’s remarks come amidst an intensifying war of words between himself and three of his predecessors: Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu. Specifically, Senator Orji Kalu has been vocal about his intent to thwart Otti’s re-election bid.

Responding to these challenges, Otti noted: “Sometimes, I worry if it is the 2027 election they are talking about, or maybe there’s another election coming up. But the same way God delivered me in 2023, that is the way He will deliver me in 2027.”

He urged his team and supporters to ignore the external pressure:

“No one, or group of people, whoever they are, is entitled to distract us. So, when they make noise, like I said last week, we should not be bothered. We should just remain focused and do what we have to do,” Otti said.

The administration has also taken a swipe at the opposition’s tactics. Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, recently warned former leaders against hiding behind the “Renewed Hope” banner of President Bola Tinubu to attack the state government.

Anokwuru challenged the former governors to run on their own legacies rather than presidential coattails: “When former governors and past political office holders, whose records are still fresh in the collective memory of Abians, congregate to challenge the leadership of Dr Alex Otti, the public is entitled to interrogate not just their claims, but also their credibility. Everything about your supposed criticism against Dr Alex Otti’s administration is resting on ‘Renewed Hope.’ It is expected that an opposition made up of former governors should build arguments based on their own achievements, not by name-dropping President Bola Tinubu.”

Governor Otti used the occasion to update residents on major infrastructure projects, even offering an apology for the temporary inconveniences caused by the heavy construction equipment and dust.

He highlighted the strategic importance of the dualization projects currently spanning federal routes within the state:

“As you can see, we are at the final stages of dualising this road. It is a Federal road, but we got approval from the Federal government to reconstruct and dualise it. And as we are doing this, we are also working from Onuimo to Tower. The idea is that any time you get into Abia State, you know you’ve gotten into Abia State.”

The Governor’s visit saw a strong showing from the Alex Otti Vanguard Movement for Continuity 2027. Leaders of the movement and church elders, including Dr. Fineboy Ikechi Joseph, Elder G.C. Ukaegbu, and Elder E.C. Alozie, stood in solidarity with the administration’s performance.

In a joint show of support, they remarked: “Governor Otti’s achievements across the state are enough to guarantee him a second term in office. His benevolence and leadership have brought hope to Abia people.”

As the political atmosphere in Abia State heats up well ahead of the 2027 window, Governor Otti appears determined to let his “signature projects” do the talking, maintaining that the same forces that brought him to power will sustain his stay in the Government House.