In Obingwa, good governance campaigned for Gov Alex Otti, By Ferdinand Ekeoma

Governor Alex Otti (c) commissioning one of the numerous projects completed by his administration

Two days ago, being Thursday, 11 November, 2026, Obingwa stood still, spoke, and Abia listened.

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, went to Obingwa East to campaign, but as has become his custom, he used the opportunity to commission two strategic roads built by his administration – The 12.5km Ohanze -Ntighauzo – Obete – Akirika Obu Road and the Oberete-Umuokpara Road.

One spectacular thing about Otti’s campaign is that, it’s either for commissioning of projects, flag-off of projects or inspection of ongoing projects. This is possible because work is ongoing in every part of the state.

That is the difference. Unlike what was obtainable in the past when politicians campaigned with empty promises and rented crowds, Governor Otti is campaigning with projects — verifiable, completed, people-oriented projects that the people can see, touch and use.

Obingwa is not just another local government area. It holds a deep political irony.

It is the local government area where Otti suffered the worst forms of election rigging, intimidation and violence. In 2018, ahead of the 2019 election, his party and supporters were brutally attacked and prevented from holding a campaign rally in Obingwa, simply because it was the local government area of the then-governor, hence it was declared a no-go area for the opposition. It was a theatre of intolerance.

Today, as governor, Otti has not paid evil with evil. He has created an atmosphere of peace, freedom and political tolerance never before witnessed in Abia. Today, every party can campaign anywhere. Today, no one is harassed for their political choice. Today, Obingwa is free.

And beyond freedom, Obingwa is feeling development, because a statesman with altruistic disposition is in charge

For the first time, Governor Otti has brought real governance to Obingwa. A massive hospital has risen to serve the health needs of Ndi Obingwa. Twelve Primary Health Centres have been renovated and equipped and are working where there was once no paracetamol. Strategic roads have been built — roads that connect farms to markets, children to schools, the sick to hospitals, and of course, neighbouring states. Schools are being fixed. Workers are being paid. Dignity is being restored.

This is not lopsided governance. This is holistic development that deeply reflects whom Governor Alex Otti is.

For the first time since the return of democracy, every part of the State is feeling the presence of government — from Arochukwu to Obingwa, from Umunneochi to Ukwa, from Isuikwuato to Ugwunagbo. No local government area is left behind. No community is called an opposition community. Abia is one.

We commend the great men and women of Obingwa — the traditional rulers, the clergy, the women groups, the youths, the farmers and traders — who trooped out in their thousands to receive their Governor. Their presence was organic. It was gratitude.

And to them we say: Remember, what develops a community and empowers a people is not politics, but good governance. Politics comes and goes every four years, but a road will remain for 30 years, a hospital will save lives for generations, and quality education will lift families out of poverty forever.

In Obingwa two days ago, good governance advertised itself and campaigned for Governor Alex Otti and Labour Party Candidates.

Help is here, and Obingwa has seen its reality.

Ferdinand Ekeoma is a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.