“We Won’t Admit Otti into Our Party” — Abia APC Group Declares

A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has firmly rejected any move to admit Governor Alex Otti into the party, describing such plans as “a daydream.”

The group, operating under the name Abia Best Interest Association (A.B.I.A.), made its position clear during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. Speaking at the event, the group’s convener, Eze Chikamnayo, urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard overtures from the Labour Party-led government in the state, stressing that the APC was focused on reclaiming Abia in the 2027 general elections.

Chikamnayo accused the Otti administration of mismanaging public funds, alleging that over ₦54 billion was spent on 51 school projects between the first and fourth quarters of 2024 without evidence of completion.

He commended President Tinubu for turning down Governor Otti’s recent invitation to commission projects in the state, calling it a “wise decision.”

“We will not welcome Alex Otti with his excess baggage into the APC,” Chikamnayo said. “Abia APC has competent men who can work with President Tinubu to restore good governance in the state.”

The group also took aim at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, urging him to “call Otti to order” instead of “commenting on issues in Indonesia or China.”

Chikamnayo further claimed that Abians are currently facing economic hardship under Otti’s leadership.

“The reality in Abia today is that our people are yearning for liberation, and that liberation will come in 2027,” he added.

Dismissing growing speculation about Otti’s rumored defection, the group warned that any attempt to integrate the governor into the APC would be resisted.

“Anyone planning to bring Otti into our party is simply daydreaming,” Chikamnayo declared.