Otti’s Attack on Uzodinma, unfortunate, divisive, says APC South-East Vice Chairman

Michael Olumide Alabi

National Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has criticized Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, over his recent remarks concerning Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, particularly on the issue of the South-East’s political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Arodiogbu described Otti’s comments as unnecessary, divisive and counterproductive to the collective political interests and aspirations of the South-East, urging political leaders in the region to prioritize unity and speak with one voice on issues affecting the people.

The APC chieftain, in a strongly worded statement, argued that the remarks attributed to Governor Otti were inconsistent with an earlier position reached by political stakeholders in the region in January 2026.

According to him, there had been an alignment following a strategic meeting in January, during which Governor Otti was said to have supported the position championed by Governor Uzodinma on the need for the South-East to support and collaborate with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Recall that earlier in January, after a strategic meeting, Governor Alex Otti aligned with the position championed by Governor Hope Uzodinma for South-East support and collaboration with the Tinubu administration,” Arodiogbu stated.

He expressed surprise that Otti would subsequently criticize Uzodinma publicly, describing the development as unfortunate and inconsistent with the need for cooperation among leaders of the region.

“It is bewildering that he would now publicly berate a brother governor who has consistently worked to advance the interest of Ndigbo at the national level,” he added.

Arodiogbu maintained that the South-East could not afford political division at a time when the region needed strategic engagement with the Federal Government to secure greater representation, development and economic opportunities for its people.

He said Otti’s comments represented a departure from what he described as the spirit of unity and strategic positioning required to advance the interests of the region.

“Governor Otti’s comments are not only unfortunate but represent a dangerous departure from the spirit of unity and strategic positioning that the South-East needs at this critical moment,” Arodiogbu said.

The APC National Vice Chairman further accused the Abia governor of political inconsistency, arguing that his administration had continued to benefit from federal projects and increased allocations under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

“For an opposition governor enjoying the benefits of federal projects and increased allocations under the Renewed Hope Agenda to turn around and berate a brother governor who is championing the zone’s interest is the height of political rascality and shortsightedness,” he said.

Arodiogbu, however, commended Governor Uzodinma for what he described as his efforts to reposition the South-East within Nigeria’s national political structure.

According to him, the Imo State governor has emerged as a bridge-builder whose political engagements have helped to create stronger links between the South-East and the Federal Government.

The APC chieftain argued that Uzodinma’s advocacy had contributed to shifting the narrative of the South-East from one of perceived marginalization to greater participation in national affairs and access to federal development initiatives.

“Let me be very clear: Governor Hope Uzodinma is not speaking for himself alone. He is articulating the collective aspiration of a zone that has suffered marginalization for far too long,” Arodiogbu stated.

He further claimed that the administration of President Tinubu had delivered significant projects and opportunities to the South-East within its first three years in office, citing the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and the appointment of people from the region into various positions in the Federal Government.

“President Tinubu’s administration has delivered more to the South-East in three years than some previous governments did in decades. The SEDC, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, and the deliberate inclusion of our people in national appointments are undeniable facts,” he said.

Arodiogbu also praised Uzodinma’s leadership within the region, describing him as one of the prominent voices of the Igbo people in contemporary Nigeria.

He said the Imo governor had, through what he described as sacrifices, strategic political engagements and consistent advocacy, worked to strengthen the relationship between the South-East and the Federal Government.

“Over time, Governor Hope Uzodinma has emerged as a foremost leader of Ndigbo in today’s Nigeria. Through his sacrifices, strategic engagements, and relentless advocacy, he has worked tirelessly to align the South-East with the centre in a manner that delivers tangible dividends,” he stated.

He also commended Uzodinma’s role in regional leadership, saying his tenure as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum had been characterized by what he described as unity of purpose and a focus on achieving tangible results for the region.

The APC leader urged political actors across the South-East to avoid actions and statements capable of deepening divisions among the people, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

He stressed that the political future of the region should not be determined solely by partisan interests, but by a broader consideration of the welfare, security, economic development and political relevance of the Igbo people.
According to him, political leaders must learn to disagree without destroying the bridges necessary for collective progress.

Arodiogbu said history would ultimately judge contemporary leaders based not on the intensity of their political disagreements but on their ability to build bridges, promote unity and secure meaningful benefits for future generations.

He therefore called on leaders and political stakeholders across the South-East, irrespective of their political parties, to put the collective interest of the region above personal and partisan considerations.

The APC National Vice Chairman maintained that unity, strategic cooperation and constructive engagement with the Federal Government remained essential if the South-East was to achieve greater political relevance and sustainable development.

As the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections, Arodiogbu urged Ndigbo to speak with one voice and adopt a coordinated political strategy capable of advancing the region’s interests within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

He emphasized that the South-East must avoid internal divisions that could weaken its bargaining power, insisting that the region could achieve more when its political leaders work together despite differences in party affiliation.

He said the ultimate goal should be to secure lasting development, stronger political representation and improved opportunities for the people of the South-East, rather than allowing political disagreements to undermine the region’s collective aspirations.