Umuahia, Abia State* – Governor Dr Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that he would not have considered seeking a second term in office if his administration had completed all the developmental projects it set out to achieve.

The governor made the disclosure on Thursday at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, during a 10,000-man solidarity march organised in his support by stakeholders from the area.

The rally was convened by Mr Dannie Ubani, the Labour Party candidate for the Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti explained that his decision to run for re-election stems from the fact that there is still substantial work to be done to transform the state.

“If I had finished the work that I came to do, I wouldn’t be seeking a second term,” he said. “If this administration had completed its mission, there would have been no need to seek re-election. But there is still significant work ahead in our quest to transform Abia State.”

The governor, however, took a swipe at some opposition figures in the state, accusing them of engaging in what he described as “politics of witchcraft.” He dismissed threats from what he called “insignificant opposition elements,” whom he said do not make up even 5% of the state’s population.

He stressed that meaningful opposition in a democracy should acknowledge the achievements of his administration and offer constructive suggestions on areas of improvement, rather than denying visible progress.

Governor Otti commended the people of the area for their continued support and particularly thanked Mr Dannie Ubani for organising the massive solidarity march.

In his remarks, Mr Dannie Ubani said the rally was put together to demonstrate the unwavering solidarity of the people with Governor Otti and to showcase the governor’s numerous achievements in office.

The event drew large crowds of supporters who marched through the community in a show of backing for the governor’s re-election bid.