7 Factors Abia Gov-Elect Rode On To Boot PDP Out Of Power

Dr. Alex Otti is a Nigerian economist, banker, and politician who rose to national prominence in 2015 when he contested the gubernatorial elections in Abia State, Nigeria, under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Against all odds, Otti pulled off an unexpected victory against the incumbent governor, Okezie Ikpeazu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was seeking a first term in office. This victory was unexpected not only because Otti was a political novice, but also because he was going up against a well-funded and entrenched political machine though later unexpectedly lost in the Supreme Court. In this article, I will explore the factors that contributed to Otti’s unexpected victory in the Abia State gubernatorial elections in 2023.

One of the key factors that contributed to Otti’s victory was his background in banking and finance. Prior to joining politics, Otti had a successful career in the banking industry, serving as the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc. This gave him a solid reputation as a competent and trustworthy manager, which resonated with many voters in Abia State who were tired of the corruption and mismanagement that had plagued the state for many years. Otti was able to use his experience in banking to articulate a clear vision for the economic development of Abia State, which resonated with many voters.

Another factor that contributed to Otti’s victory was his strong grassroots campaign. Despite being a political novice, Otti was able to build a strong network of supporters and volunteers who worked tirelessly to get him elected. He traveled extensively throughout Abia State, holding town hall meetings and engaging with voters one-on-one. He also made use of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to connect with young voters, who were crucial to his victory.

Otti’s campaign also benefited from the support of prominent individuals and organizations. He received endorsements from prominent Igbo leaders, including former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and the former Governor Anambra State and Presidencial flag bearer of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi. He also received support from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party at the national level. This support helped to boost Otti’s credibility and gave him a wider platform to articulate his vision for Abia State.

In addition to these factors, Otti’s victory was also facilitated by the disunity within the ruling PDP in Abia State. The PDP had been in power in the state for 24 years and had become complacent and corrupt. Many voters had become disillusioned with the PDP’s inability to deliver basic services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The party was also plagued by internal divisions, with many factions jostling for power and control. Otti was able to exploit these divisions, building a broad-based coalition of voters who were united in their desire for change.

However, Otti’s victory was not without controversy. The PDP accused him of electoral fraud, alleging that he had manipulated the results of the election in his favor. There were also reports of violence and intimidation during the election, with some voters being prevented from casting their ballots, especially in Obingwa local Government. Despite these allegations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Otti the winner of the Governorship election in 2023, seeing that all the allegations were baseless and he was declared the governor-elect of Abia State.

In conclusion, Dr. Alex Otti’s unexpected victory brought unimaginable joy that heralded a new Abia State.

A combination of factors, his background in banking and finance, his strong grassroots campaign, the support of prominent individuals and organizations, and the disunity within the ruling PDP all contributed to his victory. However, his victory was not without controversy, and there were allegations of electoral fraud and violence. Nonetheless, Otti’s victory was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, and it demonstrated that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.