Abia Governor Otti Calms Re-Election Fears: “Power Belongs to God”

Abia State Governor Alex Otti urged citizens not to panic over his 2027 re-election bid, insisting that power comes from God alone and no human force can override divine will.

Speaking at the Unity Chapel’s Sabbath Worship and Musical Concert on Saturday at Government House Banquet Hall in Umuahia—themed “Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness”—Otti responded to Pastor Kennedy C. Iheoma’s sermon. The pastor, President of Aba North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, called Otti’s leadership a “divine mandate” for Abia’s transformation, noting public prayers against a return to past hardships.

“No one should panic,” Otti said. “Power belongs to God; He gives it to whom He wills. Ten million people cannot move a needle if God has a direction, nor can they help someone God hasn’t chosen. This is a divine mission.”

Otti also honored retired Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, former Vice President under Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993), who chaired his wedding 33 years ago. He praised Ukiwe’s legacy of service as a model for Abia, Nigeria, and Africa.

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Attendees included Otti’s wife Priscilla, siblings, Labour Party National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha, Deputy Speaker Austin Nmeregini, Secretary to the State Government Emmanuel Meribole, IOM Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche, and top officials.

This reassurance counters opposition claims amid rising political tensions ahead of 2027 elections in Nigeria’s southeastern state.