Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has warned residents against exchanging their votes for money, rice, wrappers and other material inducements in the 2027 general elections, saying such decisions could jeopardise the state’s development for another four years.
Otti also alleged that politicians responsible for what he described as 24 years of underdevelopment in Abia were returning to seek the electorate’s support ahead of the elections.
The governor spoke on Sunday through his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, during the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Aba Ngwa North Diocese, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba.
The synod had the theme, “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” drawn from Acts 17:11–12.
Addressing the congregation, Otti cautioned voters against allowing temporary financial benefits to determine their political choices, stressing that the consequences could extend far beyond election day.
“Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years. Even prayer and fasting will not open it,” he warned.
He added, “May we not lose what God has given to us on a platter of gold.”
The governor urged residents to examine the records, intentions and past conduct of politicians seeking public office rather than being influenced by financial inducements and other election-related promises.
He also warned Christians against what he described as the sudden interest of some politicians in church activities and members as the 2027 elections approached.
“Many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church. Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back. Those are devices,” Otti said.
He encouraged the electorate to scrutinise such political gestures and make informed decisions about the future of Abia State.
Otti Targets Consolidation in 2027
Speaking on his administration’s development agenda, the governor said the first three years of his government had been devoted to laying a foundation for sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that another four-year mandate beginning in 2027 would provide an opportunity to consolidate the achievements recorded by his administration.
“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins,” he stated.
According to Otti, the next phase of his administration would focus on consolidating existing programmes, expanding development initiatives and building on the foundation already established.
He maintained that Abia had become a point of reference, attributing the development to the direction of his administration.
The governor also assured the Anglican Church of his government’s continued support for its development initiatives.
However, he emphasised that public resources must primarily serve the collective interests of the people rather than be channelled into projects benefiting individual religious organisations.
Otti further challenged Christians to develop the habit of verifying information and critically examining issues before accepting claims or reaching conclusions.
He said the church had an important role to play in promoting positive change and correcting negative narratives about the country.
“Christians, we have the capacity to change the negative narrative of this nation, and especially our state,” he declared.
Anglican Bishops Urge Christians to Examine Issues Critically
Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr Nathan Kanu, said the synod’s theme was a call for Christians to move beyond merely listening to messages and accepting information without proper examination.
Kanu explained that believers must develop the discipline of carefully considering issues, examining them prayerfully and responding with wisdom.
The bishop commended Otti for identifying with the Anglican Church and supporting its activities.
He also presented gifts to the governor’s representative, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon the governor and his administration.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku, urged Christians to subject information and teachings to careful examination before taking action.
Speaking on “The Bereans’ Wisdom,” with biblical references from Acts 17:12–15, Oparajiaku described the synod’s theme as particularly relevant to contemporary society.
“It didn’t say throw it away; it says think through it,” he explained.
The cleric expressed concern that some Christians had become vulnerable to deception because they failed to examine information and teachings against biblical principles.
“When members of the church know the Bible, they would not be deceived,” he said.
Source: Vanguard
