APC Blasts Alex Otti Over Naming Bus Terminal After Prof. Nnenna Oti, Threatens ICPC Petition
“A fresh political storm erupted in Abia State after the APC accused Governor Alex Otti of “rewarding” the returning officer who declared him winner of the 2023 governorship election. The opposition party now threatens to petition the ICPC, raising fresh questions about electoral neutrality, conflict of interest, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.”
“The Abia State chapter of the APC has condemned Governor Alex Otti’s decision to name the newly commissioned Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Otti, who served as Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election. The party described the move as “dangerous,” alleging it could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and threatening to petition the ICPC for investigation.”
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has strongly criticized Governor Alex Otti for naming the newly commissioned Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Otti, the Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election. The opposition party described the move as a “dangerous endorsement of compromise,” insisting it raises serious ethical and political concerns capable of damaging public trust in the electoral process.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State chapter, has strongly condemned Governor Alex Otti’s decision to name the newly commissioned Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Otti, describing the action as “reckless,” “provocative,” and capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC argued that Professor Nnenna Otti merely performed a constitutional assignment as Returning Officer during the 2023 Abia governorship election, a responsibility for which she was officially appointed and remunerated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the opposition party, it is “disturbing and suspicious” that a public official who carried out an electoral duty is now being immortalized by the same beneficiary of the election outcome she supervised.
“This development raises fundamental questions,” the APC stated.
“Was Professor Nnenna Otti the only Returning Officer in Nigeria during the 2023 elections?
Were there no ward collation officers, local government collation officers, or other electoral officials who also discharged their duties? Why are other governors across the federation not naming public monuments after electoral officers assigned to their states?”
The party further alleged that the “over-amplification” of Professor Otti’s role in the election points to what it described as a “hidden nexus” and “mutual understanding” between her and Governor Alex Otti.
According to the APC, the governor’s decision has reinforced long-standing suspicions among some residents that the neutrality expected of electoral officials may have been compromised during the 2023 governorship poll.
The party argued that any gift, honour, or public recognition extended to a public officer before or after the discharge of official duties raises ethical and legal concerns.
“In civilized democracies, such actions are often interpreted as inducement, gratification, or reward for favourable conduct,” the statement added.
The APC subsequently called on Professor Nnenna Otti to reject the honour if she considers herself “a principled public servant and thoroughbred academic.”
It warned that failure to decline the recognition would further strengthen public speculation surrounding the credibility of the 2023 election outcome in Abia State.
The opposition party also threatened to petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should the naming decision remain unchanged.
According to the APC, the petition would seek an investigation into the relationship between Governor Alex Otti and Professor Nnenna Otti, including her conduct during the 2023 governorship election.
The party further recalled that some political parties had allegedly raised concerns during the collation process, accusing Professor Otti of disregarding established electoral procedures and taking unilateral decisions inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act.
The APC additionally referenced alleged close personal and maternal ties between Governor Otti and Professor Nnenna Otti, insisting that such claims have further deepened public suspicion surrounding the controversy.
The statement also questioned the governor’s portrayal of Professor Otti as “a symbol of integrity,” citing allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office previously linked to her administration at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
“These allegations, already in the public domain, severely weaken the false image of sainthood the governor is desperately trying to manufacture around her personality,” the party stated.
The APC maintained that naming a major public infrastructure after Professor Nnenna Otti sends “a dangerous message” ahead of the 2027 elections.
“When did favourable electoral outcomes begin to attract rewards and state-sponsored recognition?” the party queried.
The opposition party therefore rejected what it described as the “undeserved immortalization” of Professor Nnenna Otti, insisting the decision is divisive, embarrassing, and an insult to the people of Abia State.
The APC further argued that several distinguished Abians who made historic contributions to the development of the state are yet to receive similar recognition.
The party listed notable personalities including Sir J.O.J. Okezie, Chief Sam Okwulehie, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Anagha Ezikpe, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Elder Emma Adaelu as individuals deserving of state honour.
“Immortalizing an electoral officer instead of proven builders of the state is not only an insult to Abians but a mockery of democratic values,” the statement concluded.
The APC finally called on Governor Alex Otti to immediately reverse the decision naming the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Otti.
