By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Jan. 16, 2026
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia chapter, has called on political actors in the state to desist from making divisive and distracting statements, against the government of Governor Alex Oti, that are capable of heating up the polity.
This call was made in a communique signed by the Association’s State Chairman, who is also the Chairman of Isiukwuato Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, after a meeting of the association.
Reading the communique on Friday at a press briefing in Umuahia, Ekeke said that ALGON had taken note of recent public statements and political meetings by some former political actors and their associates which question the tenure and political future of the Governor.
He said that while ALGON recognised the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and political association, public discourse must be guided by facts and not falsehoods, exaggerations or negative revisionist narratives.
Ekeke said attempts to undermine the democratic process or downplay Abia’s progress were inappropriate, and attributed such actions to unease arising from comparisons between the achievements of the current administration and the records of past governments.
Ekeke called on all political actors to engage constructively by offering ideas and alternative visions that would promote development, unity and stability in the state.
He said: “Public discourse must be approached with facts, not falsehoods, exaggerations or revisionist narratives.
“ALGON Abia State will always elevate public engagement, recognising the common saying that facts are sacred.
“ALGON Abia State considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt or pre-empt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in Abia through speculative political rhetoric.
“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and abysmal record of past administrations.
“Every project executed, every service delivered and every reform implemented under his leadership sets a new standard of governance.
“This standard has unsettled the standards of previous tenures which left Abia with unmet needs and unfulfilled promises.
“ALGON Abia calls on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively by presenting ideas, policies and alternative visions capable of advancing development, unity and stability in Abia rather than resorting to divisive or distracting statements.”
Ekeke said that the association noted that Otti’s record of performance was visible across the 17 local government areas.
He cited improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and prudent management of public resources.
Ekeke said that there was renewed pride among citizens at home and in the diaspora due to restored confidence in the state’s leadership.
He added that ALGON could be regarded as custodians of grassroots governance, and its members could attest to growing public confidence in the direction of governance.
Ekeke stressed that leadership in a democratic system could be determined by performance and the freely expressed will of the electorate through credible elections, not by political pronouncements or speculative rhetoric.
He reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life of citizens, and also expressed the Association’s appreciation to the State Government for the strong collaboration between the state and local governments.
He said that the Association also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the governor and pledged its collective support for his re-election in 2027.
Ekeke said that the Association’s decision to support Otti was informed by his performance, leadership style and commitment to restoring integrity and efficiency in governance.
