The Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office in 2027.
Bishop Echema, who spoke on behalf of the Catholic community in Aba Diocese on Thursday, April 2nd, at the Christ the King Catholic (CKC) Cathedral, Aba, made the endorsement public during the 2026 Chrism Mass celebration of the Aba Diocese of the Church.
Bishop Echema particularly applauded visible improvements in Aba and across the State, including enhanced security, urban sanitation, street lighting, educational reforms, and the Governor’s consistent engagement with different faith communities, describing his style of leadership as impactful and people-oriented governance.
“Thank you for cleaning up Aba – who would have believed it? Thank you for lighting up our streets, reducing crime, sustaining peace, and for worshipping with our people across denominations.
The Bishop noted that Governor Otti has proven that governance is not rocket science and commended the Governor’s leadership over the past three years, describing it as successful and impactful.
“We can truly say that Abia is God’s own state. The three years you have been in the seat have been very successful, and for this, we are grateful to God.
“You (Gov. Otti) have proved that governance is not rocket science, but rather a service with a human face.
“Nobody is campaigning for you; rather, your impact is campaigning for you,” Bishop Echema emphasised.
He further highlighted specific achievements of the Governor and praised the transformations witnessed across key sectors in the State, particularly the revitalisation of infrastructure at Abia State University, Uturu, which he said has positively impacted students and reaffirmed confidence in governance.
The Catholic Bishop noted that the extensive overhaul of infrastructure in the University has significantly improved students’ lives and earned the Governor widespread commendation across the State.
The Bishop said that the intervention at the University was only one among several achievements recorded by the administration.
“It is not just about the message; it is about the work you have done. The complete overhaul of the school’s infrastructure has impacted the lives of students.
“As a people, we give thanks to the Lord for having a Governor like you,” Bishop Echema stated.
The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, while welcoming the Governor and his wife to the Chrism Mass, described their presence as both symbolic and deeply appreciated by the Church.
“I welcome you and your dear wife to this 2026 Chrism Mass of our Diocese.
“Thank you for identifying with us and for every gesture of solidarity shown through your presence in this Cathedral,” Bishop Echema stated
In his response, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Bishop and the Church for the endorsement.
“I want to thank our Father in the Lord for his kindness and for all the wonderful things he said. This endorsement means so much—not just to me, but to Abians,” Gov. Otti stated.
Gov. Otti assured that more developmental strides would be recorded as his administration enters its fourth year, citing the near completion of the CKC water scheme as one of several ongoing projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
The Governor used the opportunity to warn those planning to sponsor and stage a destructive protest in Aba to desist, saying that the State government will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt peace and order in the city.
The State Chief Executive further explained that intelligence reports indicate that a few persons who are dissatisfied with the ongoing developments in Abia are mobilising people from outside Abia to carry out the protest, informing the congregation that information available to him is that they have already prepared placards for the planned disruptive protest and warn them to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
Governor Otti reiterated that the peaceful disposition of his government should not be misconstrued as cowardice, promising to show the trouble makers that his government can bite.
“As we speak, they made placards, and they are organising bad people.
They went to bring people from outside the City to organise what they call a protest.
“Now, the placards they already have are written ‘Tinubu dey work, Otti dey chop’, they already made the placards,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and warn their children not to be lured into any plan to disrupt the prevailing peace in the State, like the attempted plan to hide under the ploy of protesting for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to destabilize Aba, thanking the Aba people for resisting the temptation of using them to destroy their city.
The Governor also encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the State.
Gov. Otti thanked the Church for its continued support and prayers, assuring that his government would remain steadfast in its mission not to disappoint the people of Abia State.
The wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, and some top government officials accompanied the Governor to the event.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
April 2nd, 2026.
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