Nigeria @66: Otti Urges Nigerians to Reject Vote-Selling, Ethnic Sentiments

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on Nigerians to reject vote-selling, political apathy and primordial sentiments, stressing that the country’s progress depends on responsible citizenship and active participation in governance.

Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day address on Thursday, saying Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources could not translate into development without citizens and leaders willing to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.

The governor urged Nigerians to embrace their civic responsibilities by voting, participating in political and social discussions, paying taxes, obeying the law, rejecting corruption and striving for excellence in their various fields.

He said, “the pursuit of progress shall remain an illusion if majority of us continue to stay away from the ballots, sell our votes or vote on primordial sentiments.”

Otti acknowledged Nigeria’s achievements since independence but noted that challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poverty, unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, and insecurity remained major concerns.

He also expressed concern over the continued migration of young Nigerians abroad in search of better opportunities, but urged citizens not to surrender to despair.

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Rather, he encouraged Nigerians to channel their frustrations into legitimate demands for better governance and active contributions to national development.

The governor said every Nigerian remained a stakeholder in the country, regardless of political affiliation, religion, occupation or place of origin.

He condemned dishonesty, mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, saying such practices promote corruption, institutional inefficiency and developmental setbacks.

On democracy, Otti noted that Nigeria had remained on the democratic path for 27 years, describing the continuity as significant given the political instability that characterised the country’s early years.

He urged Nigerians to make informed choices at the polls and demand capable leadership at all levels of government.

“The philosophy of hiring the best hands for the job should apply to every public position in contest,” he said.

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Otti also commended security personnel for their sacrifices in combating insecurity and praised teachers, healthcare workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, scientists, artists, sportspeople and others contributing to national development.

He urged Nigerians facing difficult circumstances not to give up, stressing that perseverance remained essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.

Speaking on Abia State, the governor thanked residents for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the state’s socioeconomic transformation.

He pledged that the security and welfare of Abians would remain a priority, while urging residents to remain vigilant in protecting the gains of democracy and freedom.

“The fruits of yesterday’s struggles can only be sustained by the collective vigilance of our generation and those coming after us,” Otti said, warning that complacency could create opportunities for those seeking to undermine the freedoms Nigerians had fought to secure.

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