The President of the Cooperative Motor Union in Abia State, Mr. Chukwuma Azode, has warned that any political opposition planning to contest against Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election is taking a significant risk.
Azode made this statement in Aba on Thursday during a Two-Million-Man March organized by various transport unions in the state. The event was held to express solidarity with Governor Otti over what participants described as unprecedented road infrastructure achievements across the state since he assumed office.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Azode stated that Governor Otti’s performance in office within two years had convinced the majority of transport operators and residents in Abia State that he deserves to complete two terms in office.
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“From what we are seeing, I don’t think any sensible person should involve himself in anything concerning governorship elections in Abia,” Azode said. “Otti is supposed to enjoy his eight years tenure. So, for now, any opposition that is coming out is taking a very big risk, because we, Abians, are in support of Gov. Otti for now, and no other person.”
Azode further declared that the entire motor union in Abia State was officially endorsing Governor Otti for a second term in 2027. He emphasized that the Two-Million-Man March was not politically motivated but rather a demonstration of public appreciation for the governor’s infrastructural efforts.
“This gathering, the Two-Million-Man March, is not political. It is non-political, and I believe that there are a lot of people that love Gov. Otti who are here, and most of them are from different political backgrounds,” he said. “What we are doing is non-political, but they are here as lovers of Dr. Alex Otti, based on his good works in the state.”
Azode highlighted that within just two years in office, Governor Otti had shown a strong commitment to development, especially in road construction. He noted that the improvements are particularly evident in Aba, which the governor has prioritized for infrastructural transformation to attract more investors.
The Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) also voiced their support for Governor Otti. The group’s State Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the rally was organized to acknowledge the improvements in road networks and overall transportation flow, especially in Aba. He described Aba transporters as major beneficiaries of the state government’s infrastructural efforts.
Azubuike commended Governor Otti’s leadership style, noting that the transport community had seen visible improvements in ease of movement and access across the state, which had improved their livelihoods.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, said transport operators had genuine reasons to support Governor Otti’s administration. According to him, Otti’s administration has prioritized road construction in both urban and rural areas, directly benefiting transport operators and commuters.
“Like you can see, he has been constructing a lot of roads in the state, both urban and rural road infrastructural development,” Nwaogbe said. “All those roads that are being constructed are for transportation use. The people that use the roads most are the transporters, and these roads make it so seamless for all the transport operators and the commuters themselves.”
He added that Aba was chosen as the venue for the rally because it is the economic hub of the eastern region and has received considerable attention from Governor Otti’s administration in terms of infrastructural upgrades.
The rally drew large crowds from different transport associations across the state, with visible expressions of support for the governor. Participants carried placards and banners expressing gratitude for the ongoing development projects.
Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office in 2023, has focused much of his administration’s effort on improving Abia State’s infrastructure, particularly roads. His policies have gained recognition among various groups, with transport unions now among the most vocal in backing his administration for a second term.
While no opposition candidates have formally declared their intention to run in the 2027 governorship election, the public declarations of support by key stakeholders like the transport unions may play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in Abia State in the years to come.
