Otti’s exceptional performance vs the regular Nigerian leadership style
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The sterling performance of Gov. Alex Otti continues to attract praise from well-meaning Nigerians across all walks of life.
Beyond the public figures, who often make headlines, ordinary residents of Abia have not failed to acknowledge that the governor is indeed the messiah sent to rescue the state from the ruins of maladministration of two decades plus four.
It’s no surprise that many, in their excitement, have even suggested that Gov. Otti be allowed to contest beyond the two-term limit set by the Nigerian Constitution.
Historically, Abia as a political entity has lacked leaders who outperformed their predecessors. The inability of former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to reverse this negative trend left Abians with no option than to seek a credible alternative outside the the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Much credit goes to Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Returning Officer in the 2023 Governorship Election in Abia, who stood firm and ensured the right thing was done – ultimately thwarting an elaborate plan by PDP to hijack the mandate freely given to Otti.
Prof. Oti’s courage to stand her ground in the face of threats and intimidation from power-hungry PDP actors, who went as far as holding multiple press conferences to curry public sympathy, demonstrated the power of individual integrity.
If Nigerians consistently insist on doing what is right, regardless of whose ox is gored, the nation will undoubtedly move towards greatness.
Abians who believed in the state’s potential and backed Gov. Otti through the ballot are now reaping the benefits of their bold decision. Like a bracelet, the governor’s achievements are visible for all to see.
Anyone who visited Abia a few years back and returns today can testify that “a Daniel has come to judgment”.
Two former Nigerian Presidents, who visited the state last week, could not hide their admiration for the visible transformation taking place in the state.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan commended Gov. Otti for changing the narrative around locally-made products from Aba and urged other leaders across the country to emulate his example.
Speaking through Ambassador Godknows Igali during the University of Port Harcourt 1980s alumni reunion dinner and award ceremony in Umuahia, Jonathan remarked, “Before now, when ‘Aba made’ was mentioned, people would laugh.
“Today, people are scrambling for Aba-made products. Let governance in Nigeria take a cue from what Otti is doing in Abia State.
“This is intentional leadership – leadership elected to deliver real change. Nigerian leaders should follow this example.”
Igali, who chaired the event, also praised the UNIPORT alumni for their ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic growth, noting that the institution had produced six state governors and a vice president – Jonathan himself, who later became president.
UNIPORT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, lauded Gov. Otti for the strides his administration had made in power, road infrastructure, and waste management.
He called for more alumni support, especially in tackling accommodation challenges facing the over 40,000 students and 5,000 staff.
The accolades for Gov. Otti from his Alma Mater came just a day after former President Olusegun Obasanjo extolled him for his outstanding leadership.
While inaugurating the 46.36-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba Road, Obasanjo described the governor as a “miracle worker” and a shining example of good governance.
He emphasised that what Otti is doing in Abia proves that anything broken in Nigeria today can be fixed tomorrow.
Similarly, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Gov. Otti by using public funds for the benefit of the people.
Obi spoke during the 2025 Chrism Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, and reiterated his longstanding message:
“I urge leaders across Nigeria to emulate Gov. Alex Otti by using public resources for the welfare of the people.
“Gov. Otti has shown that Nigeria can work again, if her leaders prioritize citizens’ wellbeing over personal gain.”
However, sustaining Gov. Otti’s exemplary leadership style requires that more Nigerians with similar passion for development step into partisan politics.
The political arena – an ideal platform to effect large-scale change in society- is currently dominated by individuals who pay lip service to national progress.
Therefore, Nigerian youths must rise to the challenge and support credible, experienced individuals, who have shown demonstrable capacity of reversing the country’s governance failures.
It is only through active political participation that we can truly take back our country and set it on the path to greatness.
#GovOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
#ToGodBeTheGlory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Umuahia.