Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The last is yet to be heard about the political tension in Abia State as the Obidients, Peter Obi’s political support group, have thrown their weight behind Gov. Alex Otti.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Umuahia, the Obidients knocked Abia former governors for ganging up against Gov. Otti, who they said had distinguished himself in governance.
The Obidients scolded the former governors over their recent threat to make Otti a one-term governor.
According to the Obidients, the former governors are only against Otti out of envy and selfishness, not for the people.
They accused the former governors of “plunging Abia into a sorry state and mess,” which, according to them, Gov. Otti has been striving to clear.
Warning the former governors against moving against the masses, the Obidients vowed to resist any attempt to return Abia to political bondage.
Abia Obidients, who said they played a critical role in Gov. Otti’s electoral victory in 2023, vowed not to sit back and watch “a group of failed politicians who are embittered about Otti’s developmental strides truncate the ongoing transformation in the state.”
The group noted that although Gov. Otti had not integrated the Obidients into his administration, they would, however, not withdraw their support for him as long as he continues to provide good governance to the people.
The spokesman of the Obidients, who read from a prepared text, Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili, told the former governors that their opposition against Otti was borne out of selfish interests; hence, they are on their own.
He was flanked by other members of the group, including Prince Solomon, Elder Bethel Nwokoma, Barrister Chinedum Ogbonnaya, Chukwuebuka Ezennaka, and Elder Iheanyi Ezengwa.
He said: “Abia people are enlightened, vigilant, and fully aware of the difference between them (ex-governors) and Gov. Otti.
“We call on all well-meaning Abians to reject this set of people posing as sycophants to Mr. President, trying to undermine our state for their own personal gains.
“We call on Abians, civil society groups, and the media to reject blackmail against the governor and rather join hands with him in rebuilding Abia.”
The Obidients urged Gov. Otti to remain steadfast in his resolve to change the Abia narrative, assuring him of their full support.
“Otti should remain focused and continue to deliver on his mandate,” the group said.
The Obidients, however, called on Otti to seriously consider their earlier appeal to join Obi in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for “a united bloc vote in 2027.”
“We call on Gov. Otti to join the ADC, where our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, and other well-meaning Nigerian politicians are, for a more united bloc vote.”
