…Says report misleading, mischievous
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the Obidient Movement has debunked reports alleging that it threatened to withdraw support for Governor Alex Otti in 2027 if he fails to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where its leader, Mr Peter Obi, is said to have moved to.
Dismissing the reports as misleading and mischievous distortions of facts, the Movement said it never issued any ultimatum to Governor Otti over quitting the Labour Party.
In a statement signed by National/South East Advisory Council member, Mrs Ebere Obiesie; Abia State Secretary, Elder Bethel Nwokoma; and Spokesperson, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, the Movement clarified that it was quoted out of context by some sections of the media.
The Obidient Movement explained that its press conference held on Wednesday only condemned alleged moves by former Abia Governors and their associates to gang up against Governor Otti, stressing that at no time did it threaten to withdraw support from the Governor.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for Otti, the Movement urged members of the public to disregard any distorted media reports suggesting that it had threatened to withdraw its backing for the Governor.
Commending Otti for what it described as his unprecedented efforts at developing Abia State, the Movement pledged its continued support for his administration as an advocate of good governance.
The statement read in part: “The Obidient Movement, Abia State Chapter, has noted with concern a series of misleading reports and allegations circulating on some media platforms, suggesting that the Movement has threatened to withdraw its support for His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, over his stance regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“We wish to categorically state that any purported call on Governor Alex Otti to defect to the ADC, as well as claims of an ultimatum or threat to withdraw support, do not represent the position of the Obidient Movement, Abia State chapter. These assertions are false, baseless, and a gross misrepresentation of our collective stance.
“The Obidient Movement, Abia State chapter, acknowledges the deliberate and people-oriented efforts of the Governor and his administration in rebuilding and repositioning Abia State.
“We also unequivocally condemn and distance ourselves from the apparent gang-up by three former Governors and their cronies, whose calculated actions are aimed at discrediting the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
“We view such coordinated attempts as self-serving, regressive, and inimical to the collective progress and ongoing transformation being recorded across Abia State.
“We therefore reaffirm our unwavering support for Governor Alex Otti and commend his administration for its commitment to good governance, transparency, and people-centred development, contrary to the misinformation being circulated across some media platforms.”
