Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has stated that he will not dignify political activist Yele Sowore with a response after he said Abia State’s development was overrated and partial during his visit to the state.
Sowore led a team of IPOB apologists to the commercial city of Aba, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The political activist and former presidential candidate seized the opportunity in the state to pass judgment on Alex Otti’s administration. His comments caused a stir.
According to Sowore, Abia State under Otti can be characterised as partially transformed and is not worth the hype it is getting. He said his perspective changed after visiting the state physically under the guise of protesting for Nnamdi Kanu.
Abia State Governor, speaking at a public forum this week, replied to Sowore for the first time. This comes weeks after Sowore made the statement.
” I don’t think I want to dignify Sowore with a comment here. He has subsequently granted another interview in which he said he slept in my house on two occasions when he came to campaign. He slept in my house and ate my food; meanwhile, I don’t know where he stays,” Otti said.
Otti’s response comes across as a light-hearted response to a dig at his administration. This puts into question Sowore’s credibility, who is increasingly seen as a political charlatan. Abia under Otti has captured the interest of Nigerians, especially for its fast turnaround in road infrastructure.
Otti, despite his goodwill and growing political capital, still faces tough opposition from the APC-led opposition in his state. Political analysts believe the ruling party is prepping the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for a gubernatorial run in the state.
Abia State remains the only Labour Party state in the country. Alex Otti stayed with the party despite the defection of its key man, Peter Obi. Factors facing Otti in the coming elections include the possible use of federal might and a questionable Nigerian judiciary.
Despite the challenge, Otti remains the favourite for the seat come 2027. This is thanks to his massive organic support and powerful political image.
