Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his determination to stay the course in delivering what he describes as a God-ordained mission for the state, declaring that neither political distractions nor setbacks will slow him down.
The governor made this known on Monday while hosting Jasper Uche, a former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Uche, who is also the founder of the Ihe Abia Organisation, recently defected from the PDP to the Labour Party, signaling a shift in political alignment within the state.
Welcoming his guest, Otti expressed gratitude for Uche’s support and commended his balanced approach to both public service and professional responsibilities outside politics. He also acknowledged the goodwill extended by members of Uche’s delegation.
He said, “And I want to really thank you for everything. I’m also very encouraged that you also spoke in the same light about the people you came with.
“One assurance I will give you is that we will not give up. We will not be distracted.
“We have a mission, and until that mission is completed, we won’t stop. And that is why, even in the first two elections that went the way they did, we remained resilient.”
The governor stressed the importance of faith in shaping political outcomes, suggesting that recent developments align with a higher purpose.
“One thing that is important is that we must always recognize the place of God. If God has designed something, nobody can obliterate it. And if God has said something will not happen, nobody can make it happen. And we believe that this is the time that God wanted this change.”
Otti further emphasized that the Labour Party remains open and inclusive, welcoming new entrants without hostility. He directed the Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, to coordinate the formal reception and integration of Uche and his supporters in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
“We are very open to receiving people. We are all Igbo people, and we are very hospitable too. We have this motto: even when you are not part of us, we don’t see you as an enemy.”
Responding, Uche explained that his decision to join the governor was informed by what he described as visible and verifiable progress across Abia State. He noted that his organisation, Ihe Abia, has remained active over the past five years and is now committed to strengthening the governor’s political base.
He said, “We are going to complement the efforts of my brothers that are working with you and others that are not here, to make sure that we don’t just double Umunneochi votes. We will triple Umunneochi votes in 2027.”
“I have come to work, I came to complement what they are doing. And to make sure that, because it is people that I’m going to work with, we are not going to work in silos.”
Reaffirming his intention, Uche added that his earlier visit to the governor was to formally declare his departure from his former party and align with the current administration.
“Last time, I was here to formally inform you that I want to leave my former party and join you. And to work for your government in terms of helping you to come back and continue what you are doing in the State.”
He emphasized the importance of collective political effort, noting that his supporters represent a committed grassroots base rather than a symbolic delegation.
“Politics is not one man’s business. It’s a matter of letting us go… These are organic supporters from my Local Government,” he stated.
Uche concluded by commending the governor’s performance, describing it as impactful and worthy of continuity.
The meeting was attended by several senior government officials, including Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, alongside aides and members of the Ihe Abia Organisation.
