Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has cautioned residents against exchanging the state’s future for temporary material benefits, urging voters to reject financial inducements and carefully consider the long-term consequences of their political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otti said voters should not allow cash gifts, food items and other material inducements offered by politicians to influence their decisions at the polls, warning that such choices could undermine the state’s development for years.

The governor spoke on Sunday at the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Aba, Abia State.

The synod was themed “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” inspired by Acts 17:11–12 of the Bible, which highlights the importance of examining what is heard before accepting it.

Otti, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, urged the electorate to look beyond immediate political benefits and assess the broader implications of their choices for the future of Abia State.

He argued that some politicians seeking the support of residents ahead of the next election were responsible for challenges his administration was currently addressing.

According to him, voters must be cautious not to be swayed by the renewed political activities of individuals who, he alleged, had previously contributed to the state’s problems.

“The people who created a problem that God now had to answer your prayer to send someone after His own heart; they are all over again. But the Bible says surely they shall proceed no further. Please, let us be careful,” the governor said.

He specifically warned against accepting small amounts of money and household items in exchange for votes, stressing that the consequences of such decisions could extend beyond the immediate election period.

“When God opens a door, may we not close it. Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper, or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years. Even prayer and fasting will not open it,” he said.

“May we not lose what God has given to us on the platter of gold,” Otti added in a prayer.

Otti Warns Against Politicians’ Renewed Church Attendance

The governor also urged Christians to exercise discernment as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning them against interpreting politicians’ renewed interest in church activities as necessarily genuine.

He observed that some political actors who previously did not attend church services or maintain regular contact with religious leaders and members were now making efforts to engage them.

Otti described the development as a possible political strategy aimed at securing support ahead of the elections and urged the congregation to remain vigilant.

“Like we have been told, the season is here again, and politicians are everywhere. The Bible says we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy,” he said.

“These are devices. Many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church.

“Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back. Those are devices,” he added.

He encouraged the congregation to think critically about political promises and assess the intentions behind politicians’ engagement with religious communities, rather than making decisions based solely on appearances or material benefits.

Otti Says Abia Moving from Foundation-Laying to Consolidation

Speaking on his administration’s performance, Otti said the first three years of his government had largely focused on laying the foundation for the state’s development after what he described as 24 years of decline.

He expressed confidence that the next phase of his administration, beginning in 2027, would focus on consolidating the gains made so far and delivering further improvements across the state.

The governor likened the process of rebuilding Abia to constructing a house, arguing that laying a solid foundation was necessary before the benefits of development could become fully visible to residents.

“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins,” he said.

He added that the coming years would be devoted to consolidation, expressing optimism that the results of his administration’s efforts would become more visible to residents.

“What will now be happening is consolidation, and beauty will emerge. This present house you are seeing today, those who see that kind of house, Abia State, in the next four years, you will know that God has really come to tabernacle in the midst of man. Today, Abia State has become a point of reference,” he said.

Otti Pledges Support for Church Development

On the church’s development projects, the governor assured the congregation of his administration’s willingness to identify with the project until its completion.

He, however, reiterated his position that public funds must be deployed towards the development of the state rather than individual religious projects.

His remarks underscored the distinction between supporting religious institutions and the responsibility of government to manage public resources for the benefit of all residents.

Bishop Urges Christians to Think Critically

Earlier, the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, Rt. Rev. Nathan Kanu, said the theme of the synod challenged Christians to move beyond merely hearing messages to examining them carefully, praying for understanding and responding with wisdom.

Kanu commended Otti for identifying with the church and supporting its activities. He also presented gifts to the governor’s representative and prayed for God’s blessings upon the governor and his administration.

In his sermon, the guest speaker and Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku, similarly urged Christians not to accept everything they hear without careful consideration.

He encouraged the congregation to reflect critically on information and make informed decisions, a message that aligned with the synod’s emphasis on discernment and thoughtful engagement.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party for the South-East zone, Ishmael Onuoha; the party’s state chairman, Peter Azubuike; and the Mayor of Osisioma Local Government Area, Chidi Agu, among others.

The gathering provided an opportunity for religious leaders and political figures to engage on issues of faith, leadership, civic responsibility and the choices facing Abia residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.