The Abia State Government has rejected allegations attributed to Chief Charles Ogbonna against Governor Alex Otti, describing the claim that the governor referred to Ngwa people as “brainless” as false and without basis.
The government made its position known in a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, on September 16, 2026.
According to the statement, Governor Otti has never, either publicly or privately, made the alleged comment about the Ngwa people. The government maintained that the governor holds Ndi Ngwa and other Abians in high regard and said his administration’s appointments, policies and development projects demonstrate what it described as an inclusive approach to governance.
The statement also challenged Chief Ogbonna to provide evidence to substantiate the allegation, particularly because he reportedly claimed to possess proof of the governor’s alleged remarks.
The Abia Government further questioned the circumstances behind what it described as Ogbonna’s repeated criticisms of Governor Otti, urging him to explain what may have caused the reported disagreement between both men rather than making allegations against the governor.
The government also linked Ogbonna’s latest comments to the emerging political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. It accused him of attempting to create ethnic and clan-based divisions in the state, an allegation Ogbonna would need to address on his own terms.
A major part of the government’s response centred on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, which it said Ogbonna had previously criticised despite the importance of the road to residents and motorists.
The statement argued that significant construction work is now ongoing on the road, presenting the project as evidence of the Otti administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Abia.
The government said Abia has moved away from what it described as an era of godfather politics and poor governance, insisting that Governor Otti remains focused on delivering projects and public services across the state.
It also dismissed the need to engage extensively with Ogbonna over the administration’s development record, arguing that the changes taking place across Abia, including Umuahia, are visible to residents.
The government, however, called on Chief Ogbonna to refrain from statements that could deepen divisions among Abians and instead contribute to peaceful coexistence and unity in the state.
“Governor Otti remains focused on delivering good governance to all Abians and will not be distracted by desperate politicians,” the statement concluded.
The latest exchange adds to previous public disagreements between Chief Charles Ogbonna and Governor Otti. In December 2025, for example, Otti’s media aide also responded to claims by Ogbonna concerning the governor’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu, saying the meeting was focused on efforts concerning Nnamdi Kanu rather than a planned move to the All Progressives Congress.
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As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, the latest dispute highlights the increasingly public exchanges between political actors in Abia State.
