Alex Otti, the 5th democratically elected Governor of Abia State, embodies how technocratic leadership can drive significant change in Nigeria’s sub-national governments. Under his leadership, Abia’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) soared to N15.5 billion in the first half of 2024, nearly equaling the total N16.88 billion collected in all of the previous year. This impressive fiscal growth, alongside broader reforms, has positioned Abia as a rising investment hub, propelling the state from 27th to 3rd in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rankings, trailing only Lagos and Abuja.
Otti, a former banker, has pursued a reform agenda focused on infrastructure upgrades, local business development, improved access to public services, and institutional strengthening. These initiatives attracted $150.09 million in FDI to Abia in Q3 2023. His administration has also demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal transparency, conducting a forensic audit that uncovered over N12 billion in payments for fictitious contracts by previous governments.
Nevertheless, Otti’s tenure has faced political turbulence. His relationship with the Labour Party (LP), which supported his election, became strained in 2024 amid the party’s internal crisis. The Julius Abure-led faction accused Otti of intimidating party members and meddling in party affairs. The formation of a 29-member caretaker committee in September, allegedly influenced by Otti, was criticized as unlawful by his detractors.
In what some view as a strategic political shift, Otti allowed his supporters to defect to other parties ahead of the November local government elections. This move was reflected in LP’s stunning defeat, losing all 17 chairmanship and councillorship seats to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Rather than a setback, this may indicate Otti’s effort to consolidate influence within a reconfigured political landscape.
Despite these political maneuvers and growing security challenges, Otti remains focused on governance. His administration has set an ambitious goal of N52.4 billion in annual IGR, supported by comprehensive reforms in revenue collection and management. This results-driven strategy, coupled with infrastructure projects and transparency measures, has garnered public support. How Otti navigates internal party conflicts and external pressures will ultimately shape his legacy and political trajectory in Abia State.