Eze Linto Slams OUK Over Attack on Otti, Says 2027 Is a Walkover

The Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah (Eze Linto), has strongly condemned the recent verbal attacks on Governor Alex Otti by former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK).

Reacting to statements attributed to Senator Kalu and an alleged meeting of Abia politicians convened by him in Umuahia, the country home of former Governor Theodore Orji, Eze Mbah described the move as a failed plot to unseat Governor Otti in 2027, insisting it is “dead on arrival.”

According to the royal father, the 2027 governorship election will be a walkover for Governor Otti, given his impressive performance so far. He said any attempt to stop Otti’s re-election is an attempt to halt the ongoing transformation of Abia State, which, he added, will not be allowed to happen.

Eze Mbah noted that Abians are pleased with Governor Otti’s leadership style and reform-driven agenda and are already mobilising to ensure his return to office in 2027.

He said the governor will receive massive support from pensioners whose welfare has improved, and from workers in agencies and parastatals such as HMB, ABSUTH, ASCETA, LGAs and teachers, who now receive their salaries on or before the 28th of every month—unlike in the past when arrears piled up for months.

Eze Mbah stated that Governor Otti has restored hope and prosperity through people-centred policies, adding that in just over two years in office, the governor has proven that Abians made the right choice in 2023.

He listed key achievements in road infrastructure, waste management, healthcare, education, security, workers’ welfare and electricity, among others.

The monarch specifically highlighted the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba Road, which leads to Igbere, the hometown of Senator Kalu, noting that it was completely reconstructed by Governor Otti. He questioned how anyone could claim that the governor was merely “repainting roads.”

He also cited other major projects in Abia North, including the Omenuko Bridge, Ndiokereke–Abam–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road, and the Ohafia–Ihechiowa–Ututu–Arochukwu Road, many of which had been abandoned for years, even during Kalu’s time as governor.

Eze Mbah described Governor Otti’s leadership as unparalleled and warned politicians against plotting to drag Abia back to the “old days,” saying the state has been liberated under the current administration.

“We Abians will not fold our hands and allow a reversal of the massive road construction, education and healthcare reforms, public service renewal, environmental management, urban renewal, industrialisation, modern transportation and improved security we are witnessing today.

“Go to Aba and see what Governor Otti has done on Port Harcourt Road and other major roads. Look at how Umuahia is now truly becoming a functional state capital. See the newly introduced electric buses and the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal boosting the economy. This is what intentional leadership looks like.

“Do they want to return us to the era of unpaid salaries and pensions, decaying infrastructure and abandoned hospitals and schools? It will not work,” he said.

Eze Mbah urged Abians to remain focused and continue to support Governor Otti, stressing that he has continued to live up to the expectations of the people.