Ex-Abia Governors, Ex-Officials Threaten Lawsuit Against Gov. Alex Otti Over Continued Operation from Private Residence
A coalition of former governors, legislators, and political appointees who served in Abia State between 1999 and 2023 has resolved to institute legal action against Governor Alex Otti, demanding that he relocate his seat of government from his private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, to the official Government House in Umuahia.
The decision was reached during the group’s second meeting, held on Friday at the residence of former Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji. The team includes prominent figures such as ex-Governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu, alongside other past office holders.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by Victor Ike Oye, a former media aide to an Abia State government, the group expressed strong dismay that Governor Otti — now over two years into his tenure — continues to operate from his personal home in the rural community of Umuehim Nvosi, rather than the designated Government House.
“A lawsuit should be instituted compelling Governor Alex Otti to operate from the Government House, Umuahia,” the communique stated, emphasizing that this move is intended to enforce compliance with established protocol and address what the group views as an unacceptable deviation from standard gubernatorial practice.
Governor Otti, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, under the Labour Party, has previously explained his choice to work from his private residence, citing the dilapidated state of the old Government House left by his predecessors, resource management priorities, and a focus on urgent infrastructural, health, and educational reforms over immediate relocation. He has indicated plans to renovate or rebuild the Government House in due course.
The latest threat of litigation escalates ongoing political tensions in Abia State, where former leaders aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era have increasingly criticized Otti’s administration. This comes shortly after reports of a separate strategic meeting by some of these figures, including Kalu and Theodore Orji, to mobilize for the 2027 elections.
Additionally, the communique reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu and expressed appreciation for the President’s nomination of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as an ambassador-designate.
Political observers see this development as part of a broader effort by past administrations’ stakeholders to challenge Otti’s governance style and position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
The matter is expected to draw significant attention as Abia State’s political landscape heats up toward 2027.
