Alex Otti In Trouble As APC Vows To Take Over Abia In 2027
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The political atmosphere in Abia State is heating up, and the temperature is rising rapidly. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired a direct political missile at Governor Alex Otti, vowing with unshakable resolve to take over the Government House in Umuahia come 2027. It is no longer business as usual. The sleeping giant of the opposition in the state claims to be wide awake, and the battle for the soul of Abia has begun in earnest.

The APC chieftains, speaking in Umuahia last week, declared unequivocally that they are on a mission to “rescue Abia from economic stagnation and elitist governance.” Their choice of words was deliberate and direct—a sharp criticism of Otti’s leadership style, which many within and outside the state describe as more cosmetic than transformational.

A Wake-Up Call for Labour Party

Alex Otti, a former bank executive and celebrated technocrat, rode to power under the Labour Party’s banner in 2023, buoyed by the Peter Obi wave and a strong anti-establishment sentiment among the electorate. His emergence was seen as a break from decades of political recycling in Abia. But less than two years into his tenure, the narrative has begun to shift.

Critics argue that Otti has failed to address the core structural and socio-economic issues affecting the state. While flyovers, road rehabilitation, and civil service audits dominate his press briefings, many say these are mere surface-level interventions. The youth remain unemployed, the SMEs suffocating under harsh taxes, and rural areas neglected.

The APC’s bold declaration should not be taken lightly. The party, which has federal might and a national structure, is poised to exploit every misstep of the current administration. According to Chief Ikechi Emenike, a prominent APC stakeholder in Abia, “We are going to dismantle this Labour Party experiment in 2027. What is going on in Abia today is not governance—it is a reality show.”

History and the Winds of Political Change

Abia’s political history has largely been dominated by the PDP until the Labour Party disrupted the power structure in 2023. However, the euphoria of change is being quickly eroded by a growing sense of disillusionment. Political observers note that Otti’s technocratic governance style often clashes with the everyday realities of the average Abian.

The APC is capitalizing on this disconnect. They are rebranding and reorganizing. Several prominent politicians from both PDP and LP have reportedly begun secret talks with the APC ahead of 2027. As the legendary political thinker Niccolò Machiavelli wrote in The Prince, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” The APC seems to be adopting this posture—less of diplomacy, more of political conquest.

Governance Under Scrutiny

The Labour Party-led administration in Abia cannot afford to ignore the mounting criticisms. While Governor Otti has been praised for promoting transparency and tackling ghost workers, many still argue that the state’s economy is shrinking. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Abia ranked 24th out of 36 states in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024—a sharp contrast to the governor’s media claims of economic transformation.

In the words of Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, “Development is not about highways and flyovers; it is about improving the lives of the people.” If the APC succeeds in framing the current administration as elitist and disconnected, they may very well succeed in 2027.

The Power of Political Messaging

The APC’s strategy is clear: target the grassroots. With over 70% of Abians living in rural communities, a political party that ignores them does so at its peril. According to Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a respected human rights activist, “Democracy must begin at the village square.” Unfortunately, many in Abia’s hinterlands claim they haven’t seen any difference since Otti assumed office.

Former President Barack Obama once said, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” The APC seems to be deploying this line of attack: no matter how beautified Umuahia looks, if the people in Arochukwu, Bende, and Umunneochi still drink muddy water and send their children to roofless schools, the government has failed.

A Divided Opposition, or a Formidable Force?

The only potential setback for the APC is internal disunity. The party has suffered from factionalism in the past. But recent moves suggest a consensus is building around the goal of reclaiming Abia. If the party can field a charismatic candidate with both grassroots and elite appeal, Governor Otti may be in serious trouble.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once stated, “Leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about impact, influence, and inspiration.” This is a powerful reminder that political branding alone cannot win elections. Performance must meet perception.

The People Hold the Key

No political calculation is complete without considering the voters. The people of Abia will ultimately decide who governs them. The 2023 elections demonstrated that they are tired of recycled politics. But what they want now is not just change—but results.

Dr. John Campbell, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, wrote in his book Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink, “Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are asking for basic decency in governance.” The people of Abia want working hospitals, functioning schools, a vibrant economy, and jobs—not press releases or photo-ops.

Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond

With less than two years to the next election, political movements will intensify. The APC’s message of reclaiming Abia must be matched with credible plans, not just political rhetoric. They must offer an alternative that resonates with ordinary people. For now, Governor Otti still holds the mandate, but his political honeymoon is clearly over.

Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once warned, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” Governor Otti must reconnect with the aspirations of the masses or risk being dethroned by a more tactically grounded opposition.

As 2027 approaches, the state will likely witness a fierce electoral battle—one not just of personalities, but of ideologies, performance, and public trust. If the APC maintains its current momentum and strategic clarity, then indeed, Alex Otti may be in serious political trouble.

Conclusion

The vow by the APC to take over Abia in 2027 is more than political talk; it is a signal of war. A war of narratives, of performance, and of perception. Governor Alex Otti must rise above press conferences and elite commendations. He must return to the streets, listen to the people, and correct the course of his administration. The time of political grace is gone. Now begins the time of political reckoning.

As the popular African proverb goes, “The man who fetches firewood infested with ants invites lizards to his home.” If Governor Otti does not change direction quickly, the lizards of opposition may soon overrun his political household.

Abeokuta North Chairman Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo Presents 2025 “Budget of Hope and Prosperity” to Legislative Council

The Year 2025 Budget tagged “Budget of Hope and Prosperity ” was presented on Thursday 10th April 2025 on the floor of the Legislative Chambers by the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo to the members of the Legislative Council under the leadership of Hon. Moruf Erubami

Presenting the budget, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo acknowledged that indeed, today’s event was a testament to the collective efforts in participatory governance. While reflecting on the Year 2024 budget, the Council Boss emphasized on the budget performance which has been satisfactory as it included the way forward in setting a benchmark for greater performance.

Speaking further, the council chairman highlighted the laid down program for the development of Abeokuta North Local Government as part of his cardinal program in various sectors; in infrastructure, security, skill acquisition, serene environment amongst others aimed at improving businesses.

Dr. Lanre Sodipo explained that the aggregate projected revenue in the year 2024 was #6, 145, 479,928.22k as at October 31st 2024 a sum of #5, 494,276,60.45k from federation account, represent 94% while #170,98,588.27k represent 59% of the IGR of year 2024., #1,041,488,1399.38k as personnel cost overhead cost was #512,965,188.50k money sent on capital projects #5151, 537,558.99k while #3,826,54,412.34k spent on consolidated fund charges.

He noted that the 2025 proposed expenditure consists of capital expenditure #1,389,000,000.00k amounting to 13.2% as salaries and allowance #1234,393,947.52k as consolidated fund charges #4,015,000,000.00k

The Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Moruf Erubami while appreciating the Executive Chairman, acknowledged that indeed the performance of the administration since the inception of this tenure has been exemplary. While calling on all to diligently discharge their duties as governance is a collective effort, the Leader of the Council assured the Executive arm of their continued cooperation towards a greater Abeokuta North Local Government.

This Year’s proposed budget will be generated from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Internal Generated Revenue and the State Coordinated Revenue. It holds high prospects for the good people of Abeokuta North Local Government, as this administration will continue to pursue people oriented programmes for the benefit of all.

Democracy as a Prerequisite to Development: A Complex Relationship
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The age-old debate on whether democracy is a prerequisite for development continues to divide political thinkers, economists, and development practitioners across the globe. While some argue that democratic governance is indispensable for meaningful and inclusive development, others point to the dramatic economic transformation of non-democratic states as evidence that democracy, though desirable, is not necessarily a precondition for prosperity. What is undeniable, however, is that the relationship between democracy and development is anything but linear—it is deeply complex, context-dependent, and riddled with contradictions.

The Case For Democracy as a Prerequisite to Development
1. Accountability and Transparency
At the heart of democratic governance is accountability. Elected leaders, conscious of the electorate’s power to remove them from office, are often compelled to act in the interest of the people. Transparency becomes not just an ideal but a necessity. Institutions such as the judiciary, legislature, press, and civil society act as watchdogs, exposing corruption and ensuring checks and balances.

As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once noted:

“Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.”

This is evident in nations like Finland, Canada, and New Zealand—consistently ranked among the least corrupt and most developed countries in the world. The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (2023) show a direct correlation between democratic accountability and control of corruption.

2. Protection of Human Rights
Democracy provides the institutional framework for safeguarding human rights, including civil liberties, freedom of speech, gender equality, and access to healthcare and education. These rights are not just moral imperatives; they are development accelerators.

Political philosopher Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics, argues:

“Development requires the removal of major sources of unfreedom… the denial of political liberty, the neglect of public facilities, and the intolerance or overactivity of repressive states.”

In other words, democracy isn’t just a value; it’s a vehicle for human progress. Countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark—where democratic institutions ensure access to social services and rule of law—consistently top the Human Development Index.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Democracies tend to foster environments where innovation thrives. Freedom of thought, speech, and association—hallmarks of democratic systems—encourage creativity and entrepreneurship. Start-ups, think tanks, and civil society groups flourish in open societies where information flows freely and the rule of law is upheld.

Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel-winning economist, emphasized this dynamic:

“A vibrant civil society is necessary for economic development, and it is best supported by democratic institutions.”

The United States, with its open democratic environment, remains a hub of technological innovation. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, democratic countries dominate the top ten, linking political freedom with innovative capacity.

4. Social Justice and Equality
Democracy, when functional, allows historically marginalized voices to be heard. Through electoral representation, legislative action, and judicial recourse, democracies work—however slowly—toward greater inclusion.

South Africa’s post-apartheid transition is a clear example. Nelson Mandela, in his inaugural speech, reminded the world:

“Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.”

While the country still struggles with inequality, democracy has provided the tools for continuous reform and dialogue—a contrast to authoritarian regimes where dissent is often criminalized.

The Case Against Democracy as a Prerequisite to Development
1. Economic Growth Without Democracy
History is replete with examples of nations that achieved spectacular economic growth without democratic governance. The People’s Republic of China is perhaps the most cited. Since initiating economic reforms in 1978, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, according to the World Bank.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding father, famously stated:

“I do not believe that democracy necessarily leads to development. I believe what a country needs to develop is discipline more than democracy.”

Singapore, under his leadership, transformed from a struggling port to one of the most efficient and developed economies globally—without full political liberalism.

2. Authoritarian Efficiency
Proponents of authoritarian development argue that such regimes can implement long-term policies without the disruptions of electoral politics. They can bypass political gridlock and enforce discipline in public administration.

This sentiment is echoed by political scientist Fareed Zakaria, who warned:

“Democracy is flourishing; liberty is not. Many democracies have become illiberal, where elections are held but civil liberties are absent.”

Authoritarian regimes often tout their efficiency, but that efficiency can come at the cost of liberty, human dignity, and sustainability.

3. Cultural and Historical Context
Not all societies are culturally or historically aligned with Western democratic values. Attempts to impose democratic structures on societies with complex traditional governance systems often yield chaos instead of order.

As African scholar Mahmood Mamdani puts it:
“Democratization without decolonization is a form of recolonization.”

Countries like Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan demonstrate how fragile and dangerous externally imposed democracy can be when not aligned with indigenous socio-political realities.

Democratic Successes and Authoritarian Exceptions
There is no shortage of success stories on either side of the divide. Norway, ranked first on the Human Development Index (UNDP 2023), exemplifies the best of democratic governance: transparency, prosperity, and equality. Its wealth, including oil revenue, is managed through one of the most transparent sovereign wealth funds globally.

Conversely, China’s economic miracle—despite its authoritarian political structure—cannot be dismissed. President Xi Jinping asserts that China’s model represents an alternative path:

“We have found a development path that suits China’s national conditions and reflects the will of the Chinese people.”

Still, authoritarian regimes often face hidden vulnerabilities. Venezuela, under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, squandered its oil wealth and plunged into hyperinflation and humanitarian crisis—proof that centralized control without accountability can be devastating.

Conclusion: Context Is King
To assert that democracy is always a prerequisite to development is to ignore the intricate and diverse pathways nations take. Yet to discard democracy as irrelevant is to flirt with the erosion of rights, freedoms, and dignity.

Democracy—when it works—is the best system for balancing growth with human freedom, equity, and justice. But it must be supported by strong institutions, civic culture, legal integrity, and responsible leadership.

In the words of former U.S. President Barack Obama:

“Development depends on good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places for far too long. That’s the change that can unlock Africa’s potential.”

In the final analysis, development requires more than roads and GDP growth. It requires justice, participation, and freedom. Whether under democratic rule or otherwise, what ultimately matters is whether power is used to serve the people—not oppress them.