Former Abia Governors, Ex-Lawmakers Plan Legal Action Against Otti Over Use of Private Residence

A coalition of former Abia State governors, legislators and political appointees who served between 1999 and 2023 has announced plans to institute legal action against Governor Alex Otti over his continued operation of official duties from a private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The decision was reached at the coalition’s second meeting held at the residence of a former Abia State governor, Senator Theodore Orji. According to information obtained by Akahi News, the group resolved to compel Governor Otti to relocate all official government activities to the Government House in Umuahia, which they insist remains the constitutionally recognised seat of power in the state.

Sources who attended the meeting told Akahi News that the gathering brought together influential political figures who have played key roles in Abia State’s governance since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Among those listed as members of the coalition are former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu, alongside other former legislators and political appointees who served in different administrations during the period under review.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting on Friday, the group stated that the planned lawsuit is aimed at enforcing what it described as the proper and lawful use of official government facilities.

“A lawsuit should be instituted compelling Governor Alex Otti to operate from the Government House, Umuahia,” the communiqué stated.

The communiqué was read by Victor Ike Oye, a former media aide in the Abia State Government, who conveyed the group’s strong dissatisfaction with what it described as the governor’s continued conduct of state business from his personal residence rather than the officially designated Government House.

The coalition argued that operating from a private residence weakens institutional order and undermines long-standing administrative norms. Political analysts who spoke with Akahi News noted that the issue has now moved beyond public debate and into a potentially protracted legal confrontation.

Beyond the legal threat, the group also declared its readiness to mobilise politically for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. It further expressed appreciation to the President for nominating one of its members, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, for an ambassadorial appointment.

Observers told Akahi News that the coalition’s position reflects deeper political undercurrents in Abia State, particularly as alignments ahead of future elections begin to take clearer shape.

The development adds a new dimension to the state’s political discourse, with the controversy surrounding the governor’s operating base now seemingly headed for judicial interpretation. As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government has yet to issue an official response to the coalition’s planned legal action.

For continuous updates and in-depth political reporting, stay with Akahi News.

By Joseph Iyaji