Aba’s Love for Alex Otti Shows a New Beginning in Abia

In Aba a busy, hardworking city known for its business spirit something new is happening. It’s not just the usual sounds of machines and busy markets. It’s the sound of hope, change, and love for one man: Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State.

Since becoming governor in 2023 under the Labour Party, Dr. Otti has quickly become a symbol of real change. People in Aba, who used to doubt government promises, are now openly showing their support. To them, he’s not just another politician he represents an end to 24 years of failed leadership.

If you walk through Ariaria Market,highlife market,Ngwa Road, Port Harcourt Road, Ehi Road, or Osisioma,market road, Clifford road, Azikiwe road, hospital road, jubilee road you’ll hear the same thing from traders, workers, artisans, and students:“Otti is working.

“This is the first time we’re seeing real action, not just words,” says Onyekachi Okoro, a shoemaker from Ngwa Road.“He’s proving that the government can actually work for the people.”

Amarachi Ukagbu, a student from Port Harcourt Road, agrees,“You can see the difference. He rebuilt our road and even added street lights. We love Dr. Alex Otti. He should go for another four years.”

Aba was once called the “Japan of Africa” because of its creative industries. But for years, it suffered from bad roads, poor drainage, and no waste management. Even though Aba brings in a lot of money for the state and Nigeria, past governments ignored it.

Leaders made big promises but never delivered. People felt forgotten until now.

When Dr. Otti, a former bank boss and economist, became governor, people were hopeful but unsure. Now, just over a year later, that doubt is turning into trust.

Roads that were abandoned for years are now being rebuilt with proper drainage. Big projects are back on track. Solar street lights now brighten once dark areas. Trash is being cleared, and proper town planning is happening.

“Aba is finally starting to look like a place people should live in,” says Ifeoma Nnaji, a teacher from Faulks Road.“We used to feel invisible. Now, things are changing.”

Dr. Otti’s government is also open and honest. From signboards on projects to town hall meetings, people can now see how money is being spent. This kind of transparency is rare in Nigerian politics.

What’s happening in Aba isn’t just about infrastructure it’s about how people feel. For a city that has felt ignored for so long, the changes are deeply personal. People now feel seen, heard, and valued.

Young business owners are hopeful again. Artisans believe help is possible. Civil servants are getting paid on time. For once, government feels real.

October 3rd: A Day Aba Won’t Forget

On October 3, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, came to Aba to open several road projects constructed by Governor Otti.

But something unexpected happened the people of Aba turned it into a celebration of Governor Otti.

From early morning, the city came alive. Thousands of people market women, workers, students, and elders came out not just to welcome the president, but to show love for the governor they believe in.

As the president’s convoy moved through Port Harcourt Road, chants of “Otti! Otti!! Otti!!!” filled the air. People called him “the Light of Abia” and “Thank You, Governor Otti.” Many danced, waved, and lifted there hands in appreciation.

This wasn’t planned. It was real, heartfelt, and powerful. The people of Aba were saying “thank you” the loudest way they could.

Even President Tinubu’s representative was clearly moved by the crowd. During his speech, he paused to recognize the love Aba showed for Otti.

As he and Governor Otti walked through the streets to commission the roads, the cheers were thunderous. Every time Otti spoke, the crowd roared. It was clear: Aba has found its hero not because of politics, but because of visible results.

“It’s rare to see this kind of love for a governor,” said Mrs. Nnenna Eze, a retired teacher.“It reminds me of the Mbakwe days. People aren’t being paid to clap. This is real love. This is true leadership.”

On that day, Aba wasn’t just celebrating roads. They were celebrating a governor who listens, delivers, and respects them.

“He’s quiet, but his work speaks loudly,” says Chinedu, a keke rider on Milverton Avenue.“We don’t need noise. We need action and that’s what he’s giving us.”

Aba still faces many problems youth unemployment, pollution, and years of neglect. But now, people feel that someone is listening and trying to fix things.

“We finally have a governor who remembers us,” said Mazi Uche, a business owner in Cemetery Market.“We’ll support him all the way.”

Chukwuemeka, another keke driver, said:“Otti is a people’s governor. We voted for him, and he hasn’t let us down.”

In a country where many politicians make promises and fail, Governor Otti’s success stands out. People support him not because of handouts, but because of real, visible work and honest leadership.

For Aba a city known for its hard work and creativity Otti’s time in office means more than politics. It means dignity, hope, and a new belief that true change is possible.

And for many people, that may be the most important thing he’s given them.

By Okechukwu Ubani