Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged electors across the state to firmly resist financial and material inducements from political actors seeking to compromise their votes in the 2027 general elections.
The governor cautioned that accepting momentary handouts, such as cash stipends, bags of rice, or political wrappers, could mortgage the state’s destiny and undermine its developmental progress for another four years.
Speaking on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba, Governor Otti delivered his address through his representative and Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
Key details from the event included warning against vote buying; “Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper, or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years, because even prayer and fasting will not open it,” Otti warned.
The governor cautioned the electorate against political actors who have suddenly re-emerged in religious gatherings ahead of the election cycle. “Many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church. Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you… Those are devices,” he noted, referencing the Synod theme “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through” (Acts 17:11-12).
Reassuring residents, the governor stated that his administration spent its initial years rebuilding the state’s foundational infrastructure after what he described as 24 years of decline, and promised that the upcoming phase beyond 2027 will center on consolidating structural gains for public benefit.
Governor Otti concluded by reminding Abians that the power to safeguard the state’s political and economic trajectory rests in their choices, advising voters to evaluate political figures based on past performance rather than temporary election-season promises.
