The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has publicly tendered an apology for the poor governance executed in the state under its 24-year rule, after acknowledging the mistakes that led to its defeat in the 2023 general elections.
The apology was tendered during a press briefing held at the new PDP secretariat in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, following a stakeholders meeting attended by 850 delegates from the state’s 17 council areas. There, the party also pledged to rectify its mistakes in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Elder Amah Abraham, the Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary of the PDP addressed journalists, stating that the party had conducted a thorough review of the 2023 elections to understand and acknowledge its missteps.
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“We did an assessment after the last general elections, we actually discovered why we lost the election and we took responsibilities and we’ve apologized,” Abraham said.
One of the critical areas identified was the party’s overemphasis on its welfarist agenda, which, according to Abraham, diverted resources away from essential state functions and created financial strain.
“We were carried away by our welfarist government where we were paying up to seven, nine and twelve thousand youths every month in the name of empowerment and we couldn’t manage our pension well, which is why we left a backlog of 45 months of pension arrears,” he explained.
The party also faced significant issues with accountability within its ranks, particularly concerning the management of state parastatals. Abraham noted that the party failed to hold certain appointees accountable for administrative lapses, leading to inefficiencies and financial mismanagement.
“We were reluctant in holding some persons appointed to head some parastatals in the state accountable for abusing administrative inputs which eventually led into serious problems in most of the parastatals,” he said.
The PDP has committed to making necessary adjustments to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Abraham highlighted that the party would be more prudent in its future welfare programs and ensure better management of state resources.
“If a government can pay 12 thousand youths as Special Assistants, Special Advisers, etc., if we had cut down 40% of that, we would have been able to use them to manage some of these 45 months and still have change,” Abraham remarked.
Abraham expressed confidence that the PDP will be the party to beat in the 2027 elections, citing ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s structure and strategy.
“In the next one month, we’ll have an elaborate celebration here in Umuahia where we’ll be receiving many of them. Many are coming. Nature abhors a vacuum. When one vacates his seat, another will take over. I assure you that the PDP remains strong and that we’re the party to beat in the 2027 election,” he asserted.
As part of the PDP’s commitment to transparency, Abraham disclosed plans to release a detailed statement analyzing the current administration’s performance in Abia State.
“Soon, I’ll be releasing a special statement about the analysis the state working committee has done concerning this administration in Abia State and that statement is all-encompassing. By the time you go through that statement, you’ll know we have a lot of hope,” he said.
Governor Alex Otti’s Emergence, the Exposé on PDP’s Poor Governance
The PDP’s apology is believed to have stemmed from its resounding defeat in the last governorship election, which saw Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) emerge as Abia State governor. Also, Otti, who in one year, has given the state a facelift in a way many believed has surpassed the 24 years of the PDP leadership, is believed to have starkly exposed the depth of the party’s poor governance. It is believed to have also aggravated the growing apathy toward the PDP in the State.
Otti’s administration has taken significant steps to address the systemic issues that plagued the state under PDP rule. These efforts have not only endeared him to the people but also highlighted the inefficiencies and mismanagement that were rampant during the PDP’s tenure.
For instance, the governor has embarked on several infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing Abia State. These include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and public buildings that had been neglected for years. His administration’s focus on improving infrastructure has brought immediate relief to many communities and showcased the neglect that characterized the PDP era.
In the health sector, Otti has initiated programs to upgrade healthcare facilities and ensure better service delivery. This includes the refurbishment of hospitals and the provision of essential medical equipment. Similarly, the education sector has seen reforms aimed at improving the quality of education, including the renovation of schools and the training of teachers.
One of the critical issues that Governor Otti has tackled is the backlog of pension and salary arrears. By prioritizing the payment of these arrears, Otti has not only relieved financial stress for many families but also exposed the extent of financial mismanagement under the previous administration. His commitment to ensuring that pensions and salaries are paid on time has restored confidence among public sector workers.
Governor Otti has also introduced several economic initiatives to boost the state’s economy. These include support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investment in agriculture, and the promotion of entrepreneurship. His administration’s efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses have led to increased economic activities and job creation.
Furthermore, Otti’s administration has emphasized transparency and accountability in governance. By implementing stricter control and audit, his government has reduced corruption and ensured that public funds are used effectively. This focus on accountability has exposed the lax oversight and financial irregularities that were prevalent during the PDP’s rule.
These initiatives have not only addressed the immediate needs of Abia State residents but have also endeared the governor to the people. His hands-on approach and commitment to addressing long-standing issues have earned him widespread support and highlighted the stark contrast between his administration and that of the PDP.