Local government chairmen in Abia State have accused former governors of the state of “ganging up” against Governor Alex Otti out of envy, describing them as “architects of a failed past unsettled by current progress.”

Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia on Friday, the mayors said the former governors were intimidated by Otti’s accomplishments and recent successes across all 17 local government areas (LGAs).

The criticism comes after former governors threatened to make Otti a one-term governor and allegedly deliver Abia to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

Reading a prepared statement, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State, said any attempt to undermine Otti would fail due to his strong grassroots support and record of visible achievements.

Ekeke highlighted the governor’s commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery, noting that the current administration’s reforms and projects have significantly improved the quality of life for residents.

“As custodians of grassroots governance, we interact daily with our communities and can attest to growing public confidence in the direction of governance. The unease expressed by former governors stems not from poor governance, but from the contrast between Otti’s achievements and their own past records,” Ekeke said.

The ALGON Chairman emphasized that democratic leadership is determined by performance and the will of the electorate, not political threats or gang-ups, urging detractors to present facts instead of empty rhetoric.

The local government chairmen also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and programs that strengthen local governance, institutional development, and citizen welfare. On financial matters, Ekeke clarified that LGAs continue to receive their allocations through the Joint Allocation Account (JAAC) and dismissed claims of state government interference in council funds.