ALTHOUGH the current democratic dispensation is barely two years old, some politicians have already begun discussions and subtle campaigns for the 2027 elections, a move Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has strongly criticized.
According to Otti, those talking about the 2027 elections in 2025 are “trying to play God” because there is no guarantee that anyone will see beyond tomorrow.
Governor Otti said this on Sunday when he received in audience a former Governor of Abia State, and the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and Sen. Chris Adighije who once represented Abia Central Senatorial District.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that both men paid Otti a friendly visit to commend and encourage him for the good works he is doing in the state and also use the opportunity to discuss governance issues with him.
Governor Otti said, “People in 2025 are talking of 2027… you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?” he questioned as he imagined the audacity of those talking about 2027, trying to play God.
“Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion,” the Governor stated, adding that nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except he or she wants to play God.
The Abia governor also stated that he will continue to support President Bola Tinubu as he takes difficult but courageous and necessary economic decisions to fix Nigeria’s economy, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy which he described as a scam, was a courageous decision by President Tinubu and ought to have been done long ago.
“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But, when you talk about the economy, what Mr. President is doing has always been my position for a long time,” the Governor asserted.
He urged people to go back and read his columns at the back of Thisday Newspaper, some years back, especially during the Covid-19, where he said that it was time to remove fuel subsidy when off-takers were rejecting crude shipped to them, saying that they have no need for it.
“So, it requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy and I am in support of it. We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time. And, when you have years of irresponsible behavior, the correction would be tough, difficult, and painful. It is the correction that we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.
“So, talking about supporting the President, it’s a no-brainer; I will continue to support him because it is the same administration,” Gov. Otti added.
He thanked the former Governor for the work he did in the State in the past, saying that there was no need to dwell on how things went wrong in the past while stating that, what his administration has done is to hit the reset button and start work, without looking back. He emphasized that he is using the time he has to work for the people and not to fight anybody.
“Government and Governance is a continuum, it can be broken but you must go back and recover it,” Governor Otti explained, recalling how his late mother was a strong supporter of Orji Uzor Kalu for the good works he did in road construction when he became Governor, especially in Aba, adding that it is still the same template he is using.
“I can assure you, that template is not wrong. You fix the place that generates the revenue, the revenue will come and you use it to fix other places,” he explained.
Sen. Kalu, who described Governor Otti as his friend who he cannot play politics with, said he “flew” (rode) from Igbere to the Governor’s residence with ease, describing how smooth the road is from Igbere to Umuahia, which has now reduced the journey of 3 hours when the road was bad to less than an hour because Governor Otti has fixed the road connecting Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia LGAs, abandoned to dilapidation for over 16 years after he (Orji Kalu) left office.
“You’re my friend for life; you are my brother for life. Whether you are running election or not running election, brotherhood is brotherhood… you have done well for our State. Thank you very much.
“I want to make it clear to you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership,” Dr. Kalu declared.
Speaking further, Sen. Kalu said, “I want to thank your Commissioner for works for the road rehabilitation work done in Igbere. I flew (rode) on that road, it is not the same. That is the truth. It is flying because it is driving and not stopping, and I am really happy with that road.
“I know Abians know what is good for them. They are the only people that will determine who leads their state. When the people feel good, you don’t leave your best, you go for your best.”
While declaring his support for Governor Otti, Sen. Kalu urged him to support President Tinubu as well, saying that he wants him to be close to the President and not asking him to leave his party. He wished the Governor and his family well, saying that he would continue to visit him anytime he is in the State
Also speaking, Sen. Adighije said he is proud to be an Abian and didn’t make a mistake supporting Governor Otti and would continue to support him, saying that it is not about partisan politics but the progress of the State.
While commending President Tinubu’s performance at the National level, he said Governor Otti is doing extremely well for the State. He joined Senator Kalu to appeal to the Governor to support President Tinubu.