Ikpeazu Holds No Political Relevance and Cannot Distract Governor Otti

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

In a move that has sparked widespread concern across Abia State, former Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu recently convened a politically charged meeting at his Umuobiakwa residence in Obingwa Local Government Area. This gathering, which included his former aides, loyalists, and a segment of local residents, was not only ill-timed but clearly violated constitutional provisions and the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding political campaigns.

Although he stopped short of a formal declaration, Ikpeazu’s open call for his supporters to “deliver their booths and units” in the next general elections was an unmistakable sign of premature and illegal campaigning—nearly two years ahead of schedule. More troubling was his subtle boast about an alleged “expertise” in election rigging—a tactic that clearly failed him in his humiliating 2023 senatorial bid, where he finished a distant third.

The government of Abia State, under the capable leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, has condemned this reckless and unlawful act while issuing a firm warning against any attempts to drag the state back into chaos. As articulated in the official press release by the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the administration remains firmly committed to the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights. However, those rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of legality.

Ikpeazu’s conduct, in this regard, poses a direct threat to the peace, order, and stability that the current administration has painstakingly restored. Governor Otti’s administration is focused on governance, not politicking. The state remains in a phase of rebuilding after years of institutional decay—much of it engineered by Ikpeazu and his political associates.

In stark contrast to the dysfunction of the past, the Otti administration has ushered in an era of transparency, fiscal prudence, and people-centered leadership. Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Otti has taken bold, deliberate steps to reposition Abia on a path of progress and accountability. The regular payment of salaries and pensions—long denied under the previous government—has restored dignity and trust within the civil service.

Major infrastructure projects have resumed with urgency and purpose, with key roads in Aba, Umuahia, and other areas completed, commissioned and many others undergoing comprehensive reconstruction to modern standards. The transformation extends to healthcare and education. Hospitals are being renovated, re-equipped, and properly staffed. Schools that were neglected for years are now benefiting from reforms that aim to restore quality and integrity to public education.

Governor Otti has also prioritized security, partnering with federal security agencies to make Abia safer and more conducive for business and development. These achievements are not coincidental—they reflect a leadership grounded in competence, focus, and genuine public interest.

In stark contrast, what Ikpeazu and his political allies represent is a return to a failed era—one in which public funds were squandered, infrastructure collapsed, and civil servants languished in hopelessness. That he would choose this critical period, when Abians are beginning to enjoy the benefits of good governance, to stage an unlawful political comeback is as disappointing as it is revealing.

The government’s warning is therefore both timely and necessary. Early campaigns will not be tolerated. The state cannot afford distractions driven by personal ambition and political vendetta. The Otti administration’s commitment to peace, security, and democratic values remains resolute.

Governor Otti will not be sidetracked by actors who had their chance to lead and failed abysmally. Instead, he remains focused on consolidating the gains of his administration and ensuring that the people of Abia enjoy the full dividends of democracy long denied them.

For the people of Abia, the choice is now clearer than ever: to move forward with visionary, purposeful leadership—or to slip backward into the hands of those who ran the state aground. The contrast between Governor Otti’s administration and that of his predecessor is sharp and irrefutable. While one builds, the other distracts. While one delivers, the other incites. It is a tale of two legacies—one of ruin, and one of renewal. Abians must not allow the noise of the past to drown out the promise of the future. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.

– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.