2027: Group urges Abians to deepen Otti’s governing philosophy
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Convener of a new political support group, known as Alpha Abia RISE, Mazi Ugochukwu Okororafor, has urged members of the group to deepen, defend and institutionalize the governing philosophy of Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
Speaking at the inaugural summit in Umuahia the state capital on Sunday Okororafor said the group was not built around Otti as a person, but around the principles of competent leadership, accountability, service, merit, prudent management of resources and dignity of labor that his administration represents.
He said, “This summit today marks the first deliberate step towards the formal mainstreaming of the Alpha Abia RISE Movement into the politics of Abia State and Nigeria.
“We have not gathered merely to create another political association. We have gathered to organize conviction, strengthen a successful political family, and give enduring institutional form to a philosophy that has restored hope to our people.”
He explained the group’s popular mantra, “Ott or Nothing” saying it was not a rejection of democracy or a call for intolerance.
“Otti or Nothing is not an insult to those who hold different views. It means competence or nothing. It means accountability or nothing. It means infrastructure that serves the people or nothing. It means respect for citizens or nothing. stated.
“We are saying that we choose progress over regression, service over self-interest, excellence over mediocrity, and hope over despair. We are not going back to Egypt. We are moving forward to Canaan.”he said.The Convener also clarified that Alpha Abia RISE would work within the broader “ABIA RISE” family and the Labour Party, not to weaken or divide it.
“We are here to strengthen what may have become bent. To reconnect those who feel unheard and create meaningful avenues for people who wish to contribute. This is not about the politics of entitlement. Leadership must be measured by service, integrity, competence, and results.
“A major outing of the movement has been scheduled for October 8 in Aba as a “dress rehearsal” ahead of full mobilization across the state”. he said
On the 2027 elections, Alpha Abia RISE set an ambitious target of helping Governor Otti secure the highest number of votes ever recorded by a governorship candidate in Abia.
“Our duty is to work for the democratic return of Labour Party candidates led by Governor Otti. But we will not achieve this by slogans alone. It will be achieved word by word, community by community, household by household.
“It is our responsibility that votes are protected and counted. Don’t just vote and go away. If you want your votes to count, you must ensure you see it through.” Okororafor.
He also called for inclusive mobilization of women, youth, workers, professionals, artisans, faith groups, persons with disabilities, and Abians in the diaspora.
Also speaking the coordinator of the group Dr Godwin Duru, the
group urged members to return to their communities with clarity humility and prepare to vote and protect their votes on the election day.
“Build bridges. bring back those who have withdrawn in disappointment. Make room for new voices. Speak about what has changed and what remains to be done. Let history record that when Abia began to rise, we did not stand aside.”
“We are laying the foundations of a political culture in which performance matters and public office is a trust. Progress must continue. Good governance must endure. And Abia must never go back.”
The event had in attendance leaders and representatives from the 17 LGAs of Abia State, stakeholders, the women leader
Chief Mrs Orieji Emele Osonwa,
and youth leaders, and members of the diaspora.
Photo: members of the group