Why Otti’s re-election bid may be difficult to stop
Otti’s Re-Election Bid Faces Organized Opposition, Yet Achievements May Prove Challenging to Dismiss
By Steve Oko
Amid mounting opposition from a coalition of former governors and their supporters, the re-election bid of Abia State Governor Alex Otti is facing significant challenges. However, political observers suggest that the governor’s accomplishments during his tenure of less than three years may make the opposition’s task formidable.
Despite the inherent shortcomings of any administration, Otti’s achievements are evident and substantial across Abia State. These successes, characterized by tangible improvements, are unlikely to be overshadowed by political maneuvering.
Before Otti’s ascent to leadership in 2023, Abia was grappling with years of stagnation and mismanagement. Since then, the Otti administration has shifted the narrative, fostering renewed hope and redefining governance in key sectors of the state’s economy.
Among his notable accomplishments are significant infrastructure projects and economic reforms. The administration has focused on issues ranging from overdue salary and pension payments to advancements in transportation, health, and education.
Key infrastructure improvements that bolster Otti’s prospects for a second term include:
-
Port Harcourt Road, Aba: Once neglected, the 6.5-kilometer stretch linking Aba’s industrial area to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway has been fully rehabilitated. The project, managed by Julius Berger, has revitalized business and transportation for numerous road users.
-
Ossah Road Expansion, Umuahia: Contrary to skepticism, Ossah Road has been transformed into a six-lane highway, with compensation provided to affected property owners ahead of construction—a significant precedent for the region.
-
Omenuko Bridge, Abam: A new bridge replacing the outdated structure at Nmuri River is not only a modern solution but also a tourist draw, ending years of neglect and danger.
-
Abam–Arochukwu Road: The repair of the 30-kilometer Abam–Ndi Okereke Road has enhanced accessibility to Arochukwu, diminishing longstanding travel constraints.
-
Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road: A comprehensive reconstruction of this 60-kilometer route has reestablished economic activities and mobility within the senatorial zone.
Further developments in public transportation include the nearly completed Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia, aimed at alleviating congestion, alongside the introduction of electric buses, which have received positive public feedback.
In the health sector, Otti has initiated substantial reforms. These include revitalizing the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, upgrading the Abia Specialist Hospital in Umuahia, expanding Amachara General Hospital, and retrofitting over 200 primary healthcare centers statewide.
Tertiary institutions and public schools across Abia are benefiting from infrastructure upgrades, with free education extended to junior secondary levels and plans to hire an additional 4,000 teachers.
Otti’s administration is also noted for ensuring timely salary and pension payments, fostering loyalty among workers and retirees affected by previous governments. Improved environmental sanitation has further enhanced Abia’s reputation, transforming it into one of the cleaner states in the region.
While many supporters and neutral observers believe Otti’s achievements give him a substantial advantage in his re-election bid, the dynamics of Nigerian politics remain unpredictable. As the campaign progresses, vigilance will be essential; the outcome is far from certain.
