During a recent media briefing in Umuahia, Abia State’s capital, Governor Alex Otti addressed the surge of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC), likening political parties to churches and stating individuals’ freedom to join whichever party they like.
“Political parties are like churches, and any church that you would like to go, you are free,” Governor Otti said during the event titled “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.” He expressed his lack of concern over the departures from PDP, stating that his focus remains on delivering governance to the residents of Abia State.
While acknowledging the movement of members from PDP to APC, Otti highlighted that many individuals are also joining his party, with more expected to follow suit. He stressed that political affiliations are subject to change, stating, “Political parties are like free entry and free exit.”
Governor Otti outlined his administration’s priorities, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He revealed ongoing initiatives such as the reconstruction of thirteen classrooms in each of the seventeen local government areas, efforts to improve public school conditions, and measures to enhance the teaching profession’s appeal, including raising the retirement age for teachers to 65 years.
He spoke about his administration’s focus on agriculture and healthcare, with the appointment of qualified professionals to oversee these sectors. He highlighted progress in road infrastructure, citing the commencement of the Osisioma-Ekeakpara road reconstruction and the completion of maintenance on over 70 roads across the state.
