The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has said the achievements of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will speak for him as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Bishop Echema made the statement on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Christ the King Catholic Cathedral, Asa Road, Aba, during celebrations marking his 40th anniversary as a Catholic priest.
The bishop described Otti as a governor of integrity while appreciating him for responding to the diocese’s request for the construction of a retirement home for Catholic priests, bishops, reverend fathers and religious sisters.
According to Echema, he had discussed the need for the facility with the governor less than three months earlier, and Otti’s decision to support the project demonstrated his commitment to the request.
“I am telling you, I have said it before, I am not campaigning for you and I don’t need to campaign for you. The work that you have done so far will campaign for you,” the bishop said.
He also expressed appreciation to God for sustaining him throughout his four decades in the priesthood and thanked Governor Otti, fellow bishops, priests, Catholic faithful and other guests who attended the anniversary celebration.
Responding, Otti congratulated Bishop Echema on his 40th priestly anniversary and described him as “a rare gift to Nigeria.”
The governor disclosed that he and some private individuals and foundations had agreed to fund the proposed retirement home, stressing that no Abia State Government funds would be used for the project.
Otti said the project would receive support from the Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, Ide Udeagbara Foundation and other private individuals, adding that construction would commence soon.
The governor also provided an update on the proposed Abia Airport at Nsulu, saying work on the runway had progressed significantly and would soon be completed.
The anniversary celebration was attended by Catholic bishops and priests, members of the Abia State Executive Council and House of Assembly, mayors, government officials and other dignitaries, including the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji.
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