(DDM) – The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has dismissed opposition politicians plotting against Governor Alex Otti in 2027.
The Bishop declared that anyone campaigning to unseat the Governor is simply wasting their time, insisting that Otti’s performance has already campaigned for him.
DDM gathered that Bishop Ukpong made the statement on Sunday, August 17, during a lunch reception at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, where he hosted the Governor in celebration of his second anniversary in office.
The respected cleric said Otti had achieved what he once thought was impossible in Abia State, transforming both infrastructure and governance within two years.
He recalled sending the Governor a text message in the past, expressing joy that Abians could, for the first time, feel proud of their identity.
According to him, the stories of transformation in Aba had been confirmed by residents and even fellow clerics, particularly the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Bishop Echema.
Ukpong emphasized that the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge, once a nightmare for travelers, has become a symbol of Otti’s impact on the state.
He described how crossing the bridge had always been a fearful journey but thanked the Governor for removing that fear through reconstruction.
The Bishop added that what he thought could never be fixed in his lifetime had now become a reality.
He further recalled a frustrating 2018 journey to Arochukwu through Ndi-Oji road, which left him with regrets due to the terrible state of the road.
In contrast, he narrated how a pastoral visit to Arochukwu earlier this year turned into a pleasant surprise after Otti’s administration repaired the road.
The journey from Amuvi Arochukwu to Igwu Bridge, which once took endless hours, was completed in 25 minutes.
“Now, there are good roads to Aro. Whoever wants to contest against Governor Otti in 2027 is simply wasting time. His good works have already secured him a mandate,” the Bishop declared, drawing applause.
He jokingly added that if tenure elongation were possible, Otti could serve third or fourth terms without objection.
Governor Otti, in his response, thanked the Bishop for independently organizing the event to celebrate his modest achievements.
He acknowledged the massive support from churches during his election campaigns, calling them the strongest backbone of his political journey.
Otti stressed that leadership must remain a service and stewardship to the people, not a selfish pursuit.
He explained that his administration inherited a terrible situation in Abia but refused to dwell on complaints.
Instead, he said they had paid off almost 60 percent of inherited debts, executed key projects, and managed resources prudently without borrowing a kobo in two years.
The Governor also clarified that the recently approved USD 263 million loans from the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank would be accessed only when necessary, with strict accountability.
He was joined at the lunch by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmerigini, and other cabinet members.