2023: Otti declares for Governor, says Abia has suffered crucifixion from PDP

Alex Otti, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia State, has declared his intention to contest 2023 Governorship election.

While making his intention known to the people, the ex-banker likened the pains Abians go through under PDP administration to crucifixion, saying his declaration marks the end of that journey.

Otti said the problems which informed his decision to respond to the call of the people in 2014 for their liberation has now taken a new and a frightening dimension.

He promised to build more industries in the state and also restore the “lost glory of Aba” the commercial nerve centre of the State if given opportunity.

Otti also recalled that several attempts were made on his life in 2015 when he first ran for the plum job in the State.

“Fellow Abians, party men and women, supporters and allies in the struggle, I bring you Easter felicitations. Today is significant as it marks the resurrection of our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ from the grave, having been crucified, died and buried. It can be likened to the several years that our State has suffered crucifixion. Today marks the end of that crucifixion. Our state has started the journey to be raised from the dead.

“Ttherefore, stand before you on this holy day to declare my interest, once again, to serve you as Governor of this state from 29th May, 2023 under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

“Majority of you already know the story of this struggle. It’s the story of a struggle motivated by sacrifice and sustained by tenacity. It’s a struggle inspired by conviction and advanced by courage. The problems which informed my decision to respond to the call of our people in 2014 for their liberation has now taken a new and a frightening dimension – complete breakdown of infrastructure, increase in inequality, non payment of wages of workers, high rate of unemployment, weak economy, corruption, abject poverty and poor healthcare and educational facilities.

“Now, we cannot blame historic forces beyond our control for these challenges, but the wrong leadership choices we had made as a state, elder statesmen and citizens.”