The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Governor Alex Otti’s decision to rename the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Oti, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for Abia State during the 2023 general elections. The party argues that the gesture sets a dangerous precedent and may influence future electoral officers’ conduct in the state. The APC insists that public honors should be reserved for individuals who have made lasting contributions to the development of Abia, not for officials who managed electoral processes.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Uche Aguoru, the Publicity Secretary of Abia APC, the party questioned the rationale behind the naming. Aguoru stated that Governor Otti had the opportunity to honor notable Abia personalities with proven legacies in public service, education, or economic development. Instead, the party views the decision as a reward for favorable electoral outcomes, which it believes should not be incentivized through state recognition. “When did favourable electoral outcomes begin to attract rewards and state-sponsored recognition?” the statement asked, highlighting the party’s concern over perceived political bias.
The APC further condemned the naming as “undeserved, provocative, divisive, and embarrassing to the people of Abia State.” The party emphasized that while Professor Oti performed her duties as INEC’s Returning Officer, her role was administrative and impartial, and thus does not warrant such a high-profile honor. The APC maintained that public monuments should reflect enduring contributions to the state’s growth, not temporary electoral functions.
The party also expressed worry that this move could discourage future electoral officers from performing their duties impartially, fearing that neutrality might be seen as a disadvantage. It stressed that the naming could create an environment where electoral officials feel pressured to favor certain political parties to gain recognition or rewards. This, the APC warned, could undermine the integrity of future elections in Abia State.
The Abia APC concluded by urging Governor Alex Otti to reconsider and reverse the decision. The party called for a more inclusive and merit-based approach to public honors, one that celebrates long-term builders of the state rather than short-term electoral administrators. The controversy has sparked debate across the state, with many citizens weighing in on the appropriateness of honoring electoral officials in this manner.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, this incident underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and impartiality in electoral processes. The decision to name the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Oti may have far-reaching implications for how electoral officers are perceived and treated in the future.
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