Uzodimma Visits Abia Governor Otti, Insist Visit is not Political

Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Friday paid a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing the meeting as a non-political engagement rooted in regional cooperation and New Year goodwill.

The visit came days after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Uzodimma’s ally, Henry Ikoh, also visited Governor Otti and commended his administration’s developmental efforts in Abia State.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Uzodimma dismissed speculations of political undertones, stressing that the visit was a courtesy call in the spirit of the festive season. He said South-East governors were committed to working together for the progress of the region, regardless of party affiliations.

“My visit is purely a courtesy call to a governor who I have seen is doing very well,” Uzodimma said. “I came to wish him a happy New Year and to pray together that God grants us the strength to serve our people better.”

He added that collaboration among the governors remained central to the development agenda of the South-East, noting that his role as chairman of the regional governors’ forum required continuous engagement, idea-sharing and consensus-building for the benefit of the people.

“The five governors of the South-East have resolved to ensure that the region remains fully integrated within Nigeria, and that is what we are working towards,” he said.

Uzodimma, who is also Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South-East, praised Governor Otti for what he described as effective governance and visible development in Abia State.

In his response, Governor Otti thanked Uzodimma for the visit and equally dismissed suggestions that it was politically motivated. He said belonging to different political parties should not be interpreted as opposition within government.

“This is not necessarily a political visit. While we are politicians and may discuss politics, government is one structure—from the federal to the state and local levels,” Otti said. “You cannot be in opposition to a government you are part of.”

He explained that disagreements within governance structures are normal but must be resolved through established channels, adding that collective responsibility begins once decisions are taken.

Otti reaffirmed that Abia State remains part of the federal system, describing Uzodimma’s visit as a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year. He expressed appreciation for the engagement.

The Imo State governor was accompanied by former Imo Governor Ikedi Ohakim and other aides, while Abia State officials, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the state cabinet, were present at the meeting.

Governor Otti, the only sitting governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party, has continued to attract political attention amid reported efforts by several parties to court him. Despite overtures from the Peoples Democratic Party, the APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Otti has repeatedly stated his commitment to the Labour Party.

He has maintained that he would only consider leaving the party if its internal leadership crisis becomes irredeemable, noting that he had conveyed the same position to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.