The Yoruba Community in Abia State has declared support for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing the administration’s performance in key sectors.

The community announced its position on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Tunji Jerome Olowohunwa, commended the Otti administration for its efforts in waste management, the timely payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, healthcare delivery, security, education and infrastructure development.

Olowohunwa expressed the community’s appreciation for the government’s performance and pledged its support for Otti’s re-election in 2027.

In his response, Ajagba reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for all residents, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender or state of origin.

He stressed that everyone who lives and works in Abia is entitled to equal rights, opportunities and protection under the law, irrespective of their background.

The Chief of Staff also commended the Yoruba community for maintaining cordial relationships with other residents, noting that progress in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity and security required collective participation and cooperation.

Ajagba explained that the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness was reflected in its approach to public appointments and recruitment, which he said prioritised merit and competence over ethnic considerations.

As examples, he cited the appointment of Benson Ojeikere, from Edo State, as Head of Service and Dr. Sunday Jackson, from Rivers State, as a Permanent Secretary, describing the appointments as evidence of the government's willingness to provide opportunities to qualified individuals regardless of their state of origin.

He further reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Abia, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, to ensure residents can live, work and conduct business in a peaceful environment.

The visit highlighted the Yoruba Community’s stated support for the state government’s development agenda and its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Abia’s diverse ethnic groups.