The Abia Best Interest Association (A.B.I.A), a faction aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, has urged the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate to cease referencing foreign nations such as Indonesia and China, and instead concentrate on scrutinizing his party’s governance within Abia.
The group emphasized that rather than seeking governance models abroad, Peter Obi should hold the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, accountable for the management of state projects.
Specifically, A.B.I.A demanded that the Labour Party-led administration in Abia disclose comprehensive details regarding the alleged 51 public school projects, including their locations, contractors involved, and photographic evidence, following claims that over N54 billion was expended on these initiatives between the first and fourth quarters of 2024.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Hon. Eze Chikamnayo, speaking on behalf of the group, asserted that Obi lacks the moral authority to criticize other governments when his party’s sole governed state exhibits signs of mismanagement, opacity, and a disregard for accountability.
He stated, “Advocating for accountability at the federal level while ignoring it at state and local levels is hypocritical and undermines the principles of effective governance in Nigeria.”
Chikamnayo further addressed Peter Obi directly, saying, “Instead of looking to countries like Indonesia, India, or Egypt for governance models, Mr. Obi should focus on Abia State-the only Labour Party-controlled state in Nigeria. He ought to question Governor Alex Otti about the N54 billion allocated for education under the Smart Schools initiative, where no tangible results are visible.”
He also dismissed claims that Governor Otti is unbeatable, describing such notions as unrealistic. Chikamnayo predicted that in the 2027 elections, a capable APC candidate will replace Otti and effectively implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level in Abia.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for declining Otti’s recent invitation to commission projects in Abia, Chikamnayo suggested that the president’s absence prevented the endorsement of alleged corruption and deception by the governor.
He warned that anyone considering collaboration with Otti to perpetuate his purported misrule by infiltrating the APC is engaging in wishful thinking.
“Our commitment is to unseat Governor Alex Otti in 2027 and establish an APC administration that will bring the Renewed Hope Agenda to every community in Abia State,” Chikamnayo affirmed.
He concluded by emphasizing that those who believe Otti is invincible are indulging in fantasies. According to Chikamnayo, Otti relies heavily on media manipulation to fabricate a false image, while the people of Abia are eager for change and will decisively reject his leadership in the upcoming elections.
