Post-Mortem of President Tinubu’s Non-Visit to Abia State and Its Political Implications.

ONN Umuahia 6.10.2025

ABIA STATE APC RENAISSANCE GROUP

The events surrounding the widely publicised but ultimately failed visit of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Abia State on the 3rd of October, 2025 to commission non-iconic projects have exposed a pattern of deceit and political manipulation by the Labour Party-led government under Governor Alex Otti.

THE DECEPTION BEHIND THE ANNOUNCED VISIT:

At a public function in Aba Sports Club, Governor Otti openly confirmed to Abians that President Tinubu would be visiting the state, marking the third time such a claim was made. Excitement filled the air as Abians eagerly anticipated the President’s arrival.

However, it is now evident that the Governor was fully aware, at least twelve days before October 3, that the President would not be coming. Despite being officially informed that the Minister for Works would represent the President, the state government continued to mislead Abians, spreading falsehoods to create an illusion of presidential endorsement.

The deceit did not come without economic and material cost. In preparation for the supposed visit, shops belonging to struggling traders around the Aba stadium were destroyed. The Aba–Owerri Road, the city’s main gateway, was left littered with heaps of sand and chippings meant for drainage work, the eyesore scene exposed the government’s desperation for cosmetic beautification rather than genuine development.

Abians who have experienced real presidential visits in the past could immediately tell that this was a hoax. The absence of federal advance teams and the chaotic state of the major roads confirmed that there was no presidential movement planned for that day.

THE POOR TURNOUT AND PUBLIC DISILLUSIONMENT:

When it became obvious that President Tinubu would not visit, Abians stayed away from the event. Even members of the Labour Party showed little enthusiasm, despite the forced closure of schools and markets. The half-empty stadium embarrassed the state government and forced Governor Otti to divert the Minister representing the President to Ngwa Road, an impoverished neighborhood, just to stage-manage street support.

The turnout reflected public disappointment and growing skepticism toward a government that thrives more on propaganda than performance.

GOVERNOR OTTI’S POLITICAL ISOLATION:

For Governor Otti, the President’s presence was supposed to validate his frequent claim of closeness to the Presidency and his boast that the APC would not challenge his tenure. But the repeated absence of the President from Abia events has now exposed how politically stranded he is.

Without a clear party structure or genuine national backing, the Labour Party administration in Abia stands on shaky ground. Even his loyalists are beginning to doubt his assurances of a secret pact with Abuja.

The Aba business community, which had hoped to use the President’s visit to voice their grievances about the harsh business environment, stayed away in disappointment. The Governor was left surrounded only by a few members of his inner circle, which created a stark contrast to his media image of wide popularity.

THE MYTH OF MEDIA-CONSTRUCTED PERFORMANCE:

The failed visit has also punctured the overblown narrative of Governor Otti’s so-called achievements. The projects presented for commissioning fall far short of the scale and quality expected for a presidential appearance.

There is nothing iconic about the repainted Michael Okpara Auditorium or the short stretches of road showcased, especially when compared to the massive funds that have entered the state treasury. Abians are now realising that much of what they see online are exaggerated PR stunts and efforts rather than tangible transformation.

POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LABOUR PARTY GOVERNMENT:

The October 3 embarrassment has revealed deep cracks within the Labour Party’s structure in Abia State. Governor Otti’s solo style of governance (one-man-show) and his over-reliance on media manipulation are alienating even his supporters.

The APC, on the other hand, has emerged stronger. The firm position of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other APC leaders has reassured the people that Abia’s future lies with a party that has genuine federal connection and national vision.

The collaboration between the APC and patriotic stakeholders from other parties in Abia is becoming the new rallying point for those determined to rescue the state from misdirection and deceit. This was shown yesterday 5th October 2025, when Abians defied the sun and the rain to demonstrate that Abia is ripe for change .

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ROADS AND FEDERAL PROJECTS:

Most of the roads Governor Otti claims credit for are actually federal roads, eligible for reimbursement by the Federal Government. These roads include Onuimo to Bank road to Umudike junction, Port Harcourt road , Bende Abam road including Omenuko bridge, Osisioma Ekeakpara road , Umuahia Ohafia Arochukwu road .Yet, his administration has refused to acknowledge the support and initiatives of the Federal Government under President Tinubu.

Abians are now aware that these same roads will be refunded from federal coffers — further exposing the hypocrisy of a government that seeks praise for projects funded by Abuja while pretending independence.

THE REAL WINNERS OF THE FAILED VISIT:

The Abia APC never disguised its position. The party maintained that supporting the false narrative of a presidential visit would amount to endorsing a government that has failed to acknowledge federal efforts and deliver tangible results.

In the end, the October 3 episode turned into a political victory for the APC. The event built renewed confidence among supporters and reinforced the belief that, with unity and collaboration, the APC will take over Abia State through the trust of the people and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abians now understand who truly stands with them and who deceives them for political survival.

Abia APC Renaissance Group