Democracy Day: Pro-Otti Group Urges Abians to Sustain Development Beyond 2027

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

A pro-governance group, the Alex Otti 4+4 Movement 2027, has called on Abians both at home and in the diaspora not to allow the achievements recorded under Governor Alex Otti’s administration to be reversed after 2027.

The group also urged youths, traders, artisans, students, professionals, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to work together in building a stronger, more prosperous and sustainable Abia State.

Speaking during a Democracy Day rally at the Michael Okpara Roundabout in Umuahia, the state capital, the Chairman of the movement, Hon. Daniel Chibueze Okah, said the organisation was established to mobilise citizens, promote voter education, deepen democratic participation and ensure the continuity of good governance in the state.

According to him, as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections, the movement is focusing on four key areas: voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) mobilisation, recruitment and training of polling unit agents, deployment of election observers and volunteers, and mobilisation of Abians living outside the state to return home and participate in the electoral process.

Okah said the movement aims to ensure that every eligible voter obtains and safeguards their PVC while also strengthening electoral transparency through trained polling agents and election monitors.

He urged residents to reject political apathy, misinformation and divisive politics, and instead embrace unity, responsible citizenship and development-oriented leadership.

“On behalf of this movement, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies and programmes that advance the welfare of our people and secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

“As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us remember that democracy is not merely about elections; it is about service, accountability and the collective pursuit of the common good.”

The movement’s chairman praised Governor Otti’s administration, describing it as a demonstration that democratic governance can deliver tangible results when driven by competent, visionary and accountable leadership.

According to him, Abia State has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, security, environmental sanitation and public sector reforms under the current administration.

“Roads that were abandoned for years have been reconstructed. Public institutions are regaining efficiency. Investors are returning with confidence, and the dignity of governance has been restored in Abia State,” he stated.

Okah described the 2023 governorship election as a turning point in the state’s democratic history, noting that the outcome reflected the will of the people and ushered in a new era of governance.

Members of the Alex Otti 4+4 Movement, drawn from all 17 local government areas of the state, participated in a march through major streets of Umuahia before converging at the Michael Okpara Roundabout for the Democracy Day rally.