Abia 2027: Faces, chances of Otti’s likely challengers

Abia 2027: Faces, chances of Otti’s likely challengers

By Steve Oko

As political activities gradually get underway ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abians with governorship ambition have initiated subtle moves and behind-the-scene activities towards realizing their dream.

Political realignments are already going on with key players smartly strategizing and repositioning themselves for triumph

Although nobody has openly declared interest in the Abia number One job, a close look at the body language of some suggest they certainly have ambition.

Pundits, however, believe that anybody aspiring to challenge Governor Alex Otti should be prepared to cross some serious hurdles.

However, politics, sometimes, is so complex and unpredictable that even tested soothsayers fail its accuracy test.

Some of the faces and chances of Abia governorship contestants in 2027 include:

Gov. Alex Otti

The incumbent Gov. Alex Otti came to power in 2023 on the mantra of change. The general disenchantment and frustration arising from the lackluster performances of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP-led administration in charge of the state then, paved the way for the Labour Party flag bear.

Apart from the popular ‘Obi wave’ which also contributed in dislodging the then ruling party, Abians desperately needed a change, and saw in Otti, qualities they felt were needed to change the narrative and usher in a new order.

Nearly two years down the line, Otti does not seem to have disappointed majority of the Abia populace although some of his critics still believe he should quit. His performances in virtually all the frontiers especially the massive infrastructural transformation going on in the state, have consolidated his chances for a second tenure.

Some of his incontrovertible signature projects which even the opposition openly acknowledge include the reconstruction of the long abandoned Port Harcourt Road Aba, now nearing completion; expansion of Umuahia main entrance road to a first- ever six-lane road in the state; reconstruction of Umuahia-Uzuajoli-Akara-Abiriba-Ohafia Road; Abam-Ndioji-Ndiokereke- Arochukwu road; among so many others, will definitely brighten his chances in 2027.

Similarly, his attention to the health sector resulting into the renovation of both secondary and tertiary health institutions in the state , has further brightened his chances. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH Aba which was almost in comatose, has bounced back and regained its lost accreditation. The ongoing massive reconstruction of 200 Primary Health Centres, across the 184 political wards in the state, will surely count for him in 2027.

Under Otti’s watch, the Local Governments have been made to work in Abia. The noticable transformations in virtually all the Council headquarters courtesy of his close monitoring cannot be easily wished away.

Another major selling point of Otti in 2027 will be his decision to clear backlog of Abia workers’ salary arrears. Otti did not only defray the arrears as he promised during the campaigns but has also consistently paid workers on the 28th of every month. Pensioners were not left out as their accumulated pension arrears for which they had staged protests and poured libration against past administrations, were also cleared by Otti. These beneficiaries will naturally not hesitate to renew Otti’s mandate in 2027 for continuity.

Gov. Otti’s recent approval of a jumbo pay for traditional rulers from paltry N15,000 that some of them were getting monthly, to N250,000 each, will definitely earn him more support in the communities. The royal fathers some of who now smile home with N300,000 every month, will not cease to hold him up in their prayers for being the first Governor since the history of the state to so dignify the traditional institution.

Otti has equally made some undeniable efforts in the education sector, which has for the first time, received 25 per cent budgetary benchmark. He has declared free and compulsory education up to Junior secondary three, in addition to renovation of public schools plus recruitment of more teachers. For the first time in the recent years, he has approved imprests for school heads to ensure total abolition of fees.

His efforts to make Abia investor-friendly, improving the ease of doing business including the processing and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy within one month will all translate to more votes for him in 2027.

The noticable efforts of his administration in waste management as the two major cities of Aba and Umuahia, are now cleaner than ever, will equally count for him. Otti has left no one including the opposition in doubt, that he came prepared for governance, and will presumably do more if given another opportunity.

A Ward Chairman of a major opposition party told Vanguard that he was prepared to vote again for Otti in 2027, because of his impressive performances. He said he would be willing to sacrifice his position as a Ward Chairman, and work for Otti.

He said:” I’m a Ward Chairman in APC but if they like let them come and collect their chairmanship. I will vote for Otti again in 2027 because he has proved the difference between a leader with vision and a visionless looter. I know that all the bad politicians in the PDP are busy crossing over to APC so they can unite and gang up against him in 2027. But they will be disappointed because I know that Abia people have now known better”.

Odds against Otti

Although Otti’s popularity has been on the rise, some of his critics still say he has not done so well, and should be sacked in 2027. His critics still accuse him of not being too open about the cost of some of his road projects. They also allege that due process is not followed in the award of some of the projects.

A major obstacle against Otti’s second term bid is the leadership crisis that has virtually consumed his Labour Party. Although the Governor, in a recent media parley, claimed that the disagreements in LP had been resolved, the reconciliation needs to be seen. It is not a good signal for the ruling party to have woefully failed in all the Local Government Areas in the last Council poll in the state. For a ruling party not to be in control of the grassroots, is curious, and calls for concern. Some LP members who worked so hard to deliver the party in 2923, felt “used and dumped” accusing the Governor of working with ‘imported technocrats most of who they say, are political neophytes. Some of these embittered persons who felt unrewarded may be waiting to take their own pound of flesh in 2027. The ability of the Governor to unite LP and reconcile with some aggrieved gladiators especially the National Vice Chairman of the party, Ceeckay Igara, may determine the fate of the party in 2027.

Although many acknowledge that Otti is doing well in many sectors, some still grumble that he does not believe in ‘stomach infrastructure’. They want him to scale up in that area but he has consistently said that he did not come on board to share public funds but to judiciously deploy them for the good of all. Some also say Otti does not have formidable personal political structure that will work for him in 2027 but the governor may be banking on his achievements instead of oiling a congregation of sycophants.

The controversy surrounding the purported forfeiture of gratuities of pensioners when the governor defrayed their backlog of arrears, may be a factor in 2027 if unresolved. Despite growing appeals for the Governor to revisit the Memorandum of Agreement, MoA, signed by the State Government and the state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Otti has refused to bow to pressure. His opponents may cash in on this to score political points in 2027.

Otti’s critics also accuse him of being too independent and opinionated that his Aides are afraid to advise or even disagree with him on issues. They say he should be willing to accept useful inputs and ideas from others. Some of the elders of the state, believe that he should be consulting with them for council.

Some critics also query Otti’s reluctance to pack into the Governor’s lodge at the Government House Umuahia, as he continues to operate from his Nvosi country home. Those opposed to this say he is unnecessarily stressing his Aides who have to travel to the remote village for audience with him. They also accuse him of setting bad precedence for future Governors who may one day relocate the Government House to their village without giving a hoot.

Despite the odds, it may be very difficult for Abians not to renew Otti’s mandate in 2027 considering the capacity he has so far demonstrated in different sectors. Even some notable chieftains of the opposition parties and prominent Abians have, openly endorsed him for a second term in office.

Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu

 

Honourable Ben Kalu is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and currently, the highest political office holder from the South East geopolitical zone. He is of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Hon. Kalu, is one of the luckiest politicians in Abia and indeed Nigeria, having achieved so much in just few years of joining politics. He went to the green chamber in 2019, and has been very vocal. Kalu is sagacious and mixes up well with others, hence his emergence as the Deputy Speaker after his first term. He is believed to be the force behind the orgy of defection of prominent Abia politicians to the APC.

His role in the establishment of South East Development Commission, SEDC, is a plus for him politically. His ability to pull Nigerians including the Vice President Shettima, to his Bende country home during the launch of his pet project, Peace in the South East, PISE-P, spoke volume of his political clout.

He has also been vocal in the efforts to release the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He has consistently argued that Kanu’s release will fast-track the return of peace to Igbo land. Kalu, a lawyer by training, has also sponsored many bills and motions at the green chamber, demonstrating capacity and competence to deliver.

Although the Deputy Speaker has not opening declared interest in the Abia governorship race, some of his utterances and body language, suggest he may make himself available to serve in that capacity if the coast gets clear.

Not long ago, he touted Labour Party, when he said Otti might be the only and last Governor of LP extraction in the state. He, was however, bashed by some LP chieftains, who accused him of eyeing the Governor’s seat. They said the shoe is too big for him.

Odds against Kalu

Assuming he makes up his mind to join the governorship race, pundits believe that he may not have an easy ride. His critics say he has not really achieved so much with his privileged position as the Number 6 Man in the country, a portfolio he often brags about. They say posterity will not forgive him should he fail to use his prime position to attract/compel the federal government to fix the Umuahia-Bende federal road which has been in a sorry state for decades.

His critics also believe that apart from his seasonal sharing of palliatives, not much has been recorded with his PISE-P project. It is yet to be seen how much peace that has been restored to the zone ever since the project was launched. Some also demand accountability on the donations to the project.

The Deputy Speaker is also being criticised and accused of dropping the name of Nnamdi Kanu for political advantage. They wonder why Kanu is still in detention despite his assurances that the IPOB leader would soon regain his freedom. In fact some are questioning his claims of being the President’s Man if it is taking him so long to secure Kanu’s release.

Some believe that Kalu has not quite built enough structure or solidly invested enough in people that could give him the needed milage to uproot Otti. Although he is smartly trying to build structure under different guises, political watchers believe he is yet to gain the needed state-wide acceptance that could help deliver him as Governor.

His strained relationship with his enstranged political benefactor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; as well as the alleged cold war with the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, may work against his governorship ambition.

Some say he is too elitist, ambitious and yet to display humility that would assure Abians that he would not be arrogant with power if voted as Governor. Besides, he hails from Bende, the only LGA in Abia North that had produced governor for eighth years. Equity will definitely not favour Bende when power rotates back to Abia North.

Chief Okey Ahiwe

Okey Ahiwe was the PDP governorship candidate in 2023, and finished second in the race. He hails from the same Isiala Ngwa in Abia central just like Otti He, no doubt, still nurses governorship ambition. Ahiwe, with the strong backing of his political godfather, ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, planted his loyalists in the leadership of the Abia PDP although the outcome of the party’s congress is still a subject of litigation.

Odds against Ahiwe’s ambition

Ahiwe enjoys the support of some PDP faithful, but the leadership crisis rocking the party poses a challenge. Some former chieftains of the party have since defected to other parties. But a major obstacle before him is that many Abians still accuse the PDP which superintended over the affairs of the state for nearly two decades and four years, of underdeveloping the state. They do not seem to be ready to trust the party with power any time soon except if Gov. Otti defects to PDP as some are permutating. Besides, some are afraid that another Ngwa man succeeding Otti who took over from a fellow Ngwa will give the clan undue advantage over other clans and political blocs in the state.

Chief Henry Ikoh

Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh was a former Commissioner for Industry in Abia, and a former Minister of State for Science and Technology. He is a chieftain of the APC. He hails from Ahuwa Oboro in Ikwuano LGA, and same Abia central district with the incumbent Gov Otti.

The industrialist is a household name in Abia politics having aspired severally to be Governor under different political parties before joining the APC. His company, Harmony Foam has since bounced back after some challenges. He is also into the hospitality industry, and has some cash to execute his political ambition should he finally decided to run.

Chief Ikoh popularly known as Akanchawa and Ozulumba is a likable fellow. Ikoh is among the few politicians in Abia known to be soft and easy going. He is not desperate for anything. He used to have a state-wide political structure, and can easily resuscitate it for the 2027 project.

Although he has also not publicly declared interest, there are obvious indications that he is actually warming up for the APC ticket. Some groups have been beckoning at him to accept the persuasion to run for the governorship seat. He has not heeded the calls but he has also not turned them down, thus suggesting that he may be testing the waters. His closeness to Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State may work in his favour as Uzodinma, will naturally want to have a trusted ally in charge of a state after his exit as Governor.

Odds Ikoh

Although Ikoh does not seem to have much enemies in the state, he does not yet seem to command the needed followership to be able to dislodge Otti assuming he secures the APC ticket. Some believe that those purportedly rooting for him are, in effect, only interested in his deep pocket, and not necessarily to deliver him at the polls.

Uche Ogah

Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, former Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Mines and Steel Development, is also of the APC. The Onuaku Uturu-born young billoniare has severally sought the opportunity to oversee the affairs of Abia State but without success.

He flew the flag of the APC both in 2019, and 2023. Uche Ogah, a philanthropist of note, still maintains an active and formidable political structure known as Abia Rejoice. Since the last election, Ogah has de-emphasised politics and rather concentrates on consolidating his business congomerate. He has equally obtained a doctorate degree from the prestigious Harvard university.

Ogah almost sacked ex-Gov. Ikpeazu in 2017 when he was issued with a Certificate of Return by the electoral umpire following a judgment of an Abuja High Court in his favour. Ikpeazu fought back to resist him but that certificate of return does not seem to have been withdrawn since then.

Ogah has not indicated any interest in contesting again in 2027, and may unlikely contest. He supported Otti in 2023, and has not withdrawn his support for the incumbent. He has applauded some of the achievements of the Governor which according to him, are also in line with his vision for the state.
Political watchers believe that Ogah may have decided to wait for 2031 to allow Otti go for a second term. It is also believed that Ogah is currently the most favoured when power eventually rotates back to Abia North in 2031. Many see him as a Governor in the making.

Hurdles before Ogah

Ogah was believed to have had, but missed a very bright chance of becoming Abia Governor in 2019, when he flew the APC flag with the strong support of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Some believe that he is too soft and polished to go for power at all cost, Nigeria politics being what it is. They believe he needs to be a bit tough as power is never given but grabbed.

High Chief Ikechi Emenike

Chief Ikechi Emenike is another APC chieftain most likely to join the governorship race considering his antecedent. The Economist has been a serial contestant but without success.

He has the financial muscle to execute his governorship project should he decide to try again in 2027. He has a lot of dreams to transform the state if given the opportunity. His wife was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, during President Bihari’s second tenure. Chief Emenike, no doubt has the local and foreign connections needed to move Abia forward. During the administration of Buhari, Chief Emenike was the true face of APC in Abia. He was calling the shots and gave appointments to a lot of people.

His odds

His critics say he is strong-willed, unbendable and highly opinionated. But his close allies say he is humble. Besides, he is from Umuahia that has also produced a governor for eighth years. Again, his abysmal performance in the 2023 election may discourage him from contesting in 2027 to avoid further humiliation.

Chief Emeka Atuma

Chief Emeka Atuma, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency, is a chieftain of the APC.

Atuma contested the governorship primaries of the APC in 2023 but lost to High Chief Emenike, but was later declared the APC senatorial flag bearer of Abia Central, a declaration that triggered legal fireworks which later ended in favour of Chief Sam Onuigbo.

He recently hosted stakeholders of the party from the constituency and party leaders in the state at his Ntalakwu Oboro Ikwuano palacial home where he made it clear he would be among Otti’s challengers in 2027.

At the gathering, he took a clean sweep of Gov. Otti who he accused of performing below expectations, and vowed to retire him in 2027.

Atuma, ex-lawmaker and a rich contractor, has the political exposure and the deep pocket to execute his governorship ambition.

His philanthropic gestures will also count in his favour although politics is beyond mere philanthropy.

Atuma promised to provide good governance to the people if given the opportunity.

He claimed that under the current LP-led administration, “the governed are blindfolded on the affairs of the state”, and promised to change the narrative.

Describing Otti’s government as “an accidental government”, Atuma promised to bring accelerated development in the state if voted for.

He promised that the APC , if given the opportunity, would “run on transparency, good governance and human capital development when it takes over leadership in Abia State.”

Atuma is energetic and appears ready to showcase his mettle if given the opportunity especially if Emenike his ally decides to throw his weight behind him.

Odds against him

He does not seem to have the statewide followership needed to dislodge Otti assuming he is able to pick the APC ticket.

Some also believe that his party APC does not have the appeal to win governorship election in Abia despite claims by members of the party that it means well for the people.

Another big hurdle for him is that he comes from Abia Central that has been in charge of the state affairs for close to 12 years.

Other aspirants may be joining the fray but the contest will definitely be between Otti and others. From realities on ground, anybody coming to drag the seat with Otti, may just be looking for an opportunity to build his or her profile but certainly not to win, except that politics, most times, is unpredictable.

 

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

About The Author