The South-East APC Agenda Group (SAAG) has raised concerns over the actions of Dr. Alex Otti, the Labour Party Governor of Abia State, accusing him of deliberately downplaying the significant support he receives from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The group highlighted that despite benefiting from substantial federal assistance, including increased monthly FAAC allocations that have freed up significant funds for the state, Governor Otti continues to operate from his private residence.
In addition to the quadrupled allocations, the Abia State government has received several forms of support from the federal government, including N5 billion for the procurement of CNG vehicles, truckloads of palliative rice, and numerous federally funded infrastructure projects.
However, according to SAAG, Governor Otti has deliberately suppressed information regarding these contributions, remaining silent while false narratives about the APC and federal government are propagated by citizens who are oblivious of President Tinubu’s efforts to the government. .
Comrade Mike Aniagboso, leader of SAAG, emphasised that President Tinubu’s policies have made available substantial resources to state governments across Nigeria, regardless of political affiliation. He noted that every current Nigerian Governor, including Otti, has received financial support for infrastructure, palliative items, and welfare initiatives. However, the group claims that Otti has failed to acknowledge these contributions, instead focusing on positioning himself for reelection while supporting Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a better alternative.
SAAG further argued that the suppression of information regarding federal assistance is part of a broader strategy to promote the Labour Party, Governor Otti, and Mr. Obi at the expense of the APC’s reputation in the region. They criticised the Governor for giving the impression that there are no funds available despite the federal government’s substantial support. The group also pointed out the lack of public recognition for federal initiatives in Abia, which they believe is intentional.
The group advised Governor Otti to stop downplaying the federal government’s efforts and acknowledge the assistance being provided to his administration. They also accused the Governor of trying to portray the APC as unfavorable to the people of Abia and the South-East in an effort to strengthen the Labour Party’s position in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In light of these concerns, SAAG has called for increased scrutiny of Abia State’s finances, including alleged discrepancies in the reported cost of infrastructure projects. The group also raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest related to Signature Bank and questioned the authenticity of over N200 billion in infrastructure projects, including N6.5 billion purportedly spent on recreational facilities, N3.4 billion for ICT infrastructure, and N54 billion claimed to have been paid upfront for school renovations that do not appear to exist in the state.
In contrast, the group pointed out that Governors like Peter Mbah of Enugu State have openly acknowledged the support they have received from President Tinubu, showcasing a more transparent approach to federal-state relations.
As the 2027 elections approach, SAAG has urged the APC to take action against what it views as an attempt by the Labour Party government in Abia to undermine the party’s efforts in the South-East, ensuring that the true extent of federal government assistance is recognised.
