By Obinna Uballa
The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rev. Michael Ukpong, has dismissed the chances of anyone planning to contest against Abia State Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the governor’s performance in just two years has already secured him overwhelming public support.
Bishop Ukpong made the declaration on Sunday at a luncheon he hosted for Otti at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, where he lauded what he called the governor’s “impactful achievements” since assuming office.
According to the cleric, Otti’s administration has broken barriers by executing projects many residents once believed were impossible. He cited the rehabilitation of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge and the reconstruction of the Arochukwu–Ohafia Road as examples of life-changing interventions.
“There was a time I sent you a text, telling you that for the first time, Abians are proud to be Abians,” Ukpong recalled. “If we finish saying everything we are saying without mentioning the Igwu bridge, then we have not started. What I thought was impossible in the past is now possible.”
The bishop also shared his personal experience of travelling to Arochukwu in 2018 on dilapidated roads compared to his seamless journey this year after the roads were fixed.
“The saying that there is no easy route to Aro has been destroyed by His Excellency,” he said. “Comedians are even using it on social media to crack jokes: whoever is going to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State is wasting their time. The governor has campaigned for himself already through good works.”
He added that if the law permitted a third or fourth term, Abians would gladly support Otti because of his record of service.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked the bishop for the recognition and reiterated his administration’s commitment to stewardship and service.
“Our greatest support came from the churches,” the governor said, noting that his government has been able to execute projects, clear almost 60% of inherited debts, and deliver on promises without borrowing a single kobo in the past two years.
