A prominent Abia politician, Chief Charles Obioha Ogbonnaya, has confidently declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be defeated by Labour Party’s Peter Obi in Umuahia Local Government Area.
Speaking during an interview with The Sun on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Ogbonnaya said that while Abia State Governor Alex Otti enjoys massive popularity and may be difficult to challenge electorally, it would be impossible for Obi to secure victory over Tinubu in Umuahia.
Ogbonnaya, a native of Umuobasi Ugba in Afarata Ibeku, Umuahia, is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Over his political career, he has served as councillor, local government chairman, deputy Chief of Staff, and commissioner in two different ministries.
“Otti Is Unbeatable in Umuahia” — Ogbonnaya
Ogbonnaya praised Governor Alex Otti for his firm grip on Abia politics, acknowledging that the governor’s credibility and achievements have earned him the people’s trust.
“It is difficult to beat Otti in Umuahia,” he admitted. “His influence is strong, and he has connected deeply with the grassroots.”
He noted that Otti’s performance and visible developmental strides have made him a major political force in the state — one that opposition parties would struggle to dislodge at the polls.
“But Obi Can’t Defeat Tinubu Here”
However, Ogbonnaya drew a clear line when it came to presidential politics, stressing that Peter Obi has no chance of defeating President Tinubu in Umuahia.
“You will not tell me that Obi will beat Tinubu in Umuahia Local Government where we come from. It’s not possible,” he said firmly.
He explained that politics in Umuahia operates differently from broader regional trends, being driven by deep-rooted loyalties, established networks, and long-term personal relationships — all of which favor Tinubu and the APC.
APC’s Strength in Umuahia ‘Cannot Be Underestimated’
Ogbonnaya emphasized that the APC’s influence in Umuahia remains strong and cannot be ignored. According to him, Tinubu’s political alliances and the party’s solid grassroots structure give the ruling party a significant edge over the Labour Party in that region.
He noted that voters in his home area are not likely to “abandon Tinubu in favor of Obi,” describing the APC’s local support as firm and consistent.
“While Obi has admirers across the South-East, Tinubu’s network and political structures will deliver victory for him in Umuahia,” Ogbonnaya concluded.