Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State chapter, has knocked former governors of the state for what it described as a “gang-up” against the incumbent Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
ALGON said the opposition of the former governors was driven by envy over Otti’s achievements, which it noted are openly acknowledged and widely celebrated by the people.
Describing the past governors as “architects of a failed past who are unsettled by the present progress in the state,” the association cautioned them against conspiring against a people-centred administration.
Addressing a press conference on Friday in Umuahia, the mayors said the former governors were envious of Gov. Otti because they felt intimidated by his laudable achievements.
Ikengaonline reports that three former governors of the state recently converged in Umuahia, where they allegedly threatened that Otti would be a one-term governor and vowed to deliver Abia State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Reading from a prepared text, the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area and Chairman of ALGON, Abia State, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, said any gang-up against Gov. Otti would not succeed, noting that the governor enjoys massive grassroots support based on his performance.
Hon. Ekeke, who was flanked by 16 other mayors in the state, said Otti’s record of achievements “speaks clearly and visibly across all 17 local government areas of the state.”
He added that since assuming office, the governor has demonstrated clear commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective service delivery, all of which, he said, are verifiable.
“As custodians of grassroots governance, we are in constant interaction with our communities and can attest to the growing public confidence in the direction of governance and the tangible benefits currently being experienced by our people,” he said.
“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Gov. Otti’s achievements and the abysmal records of past administrations. Every project executed, every service delivered, and every reform implemented under his leadership sets a new standard of governance. This standard has unsettled those whose previous tenures left Abia with unmet needs and unfulfilled promises.”
Speaking further, he said leadership in a democratic system is determined by performance and the freely expressed will of the electorate through credible elections, and not by declarations, pronouncements, or political gang-ups.
The mayors also passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Otti and challenged his detractors to present facts rather than resort to empty threats and blackmail.
“Public discourse must be approached with facts, not falsehoods, exaggerations, or revisionist narratives,” they said.
The mayors further described it as “inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to pre-empt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in Abia State through speculative political rhetoric.”
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance, deepen institutional development, and improve the quality of life of citizens.
