Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that democracy has empowered the Abia people to reclaim their destiny, restored public confidence in governance, and has continued to drive sustainable development.
Mr Otti stated this in his 2026 Democracy Day message, entitled “Of Freedom and Development”, made available to reporters in Umuahia on Friday.
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He described the progress recorded in Abia under his administration as proof that democracy and development could coexist when citizens elect leaders committed to public service and accountability.
He added that through strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital development, security and social welfare, his administration had demonstrated that genuine development thrives best under democratic governance.
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The governor thanked the people of Abia for their trust and support.
“May I assure [you] that our progress is irreversible; we are never returning to the old order of [mediocre performance], for the light has shone in our path.
“Just like I hinted, progress may be slow but need not be a mirage,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999 and the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, Mr Otti said Democracy Day offered an opportunity for national reflection on the country’s achievements and challenges.
He noted that while many Nigerians remained disappointed by unmet expectations, it would be unfair to dismiss the gains recorded under democratic governance.
According to him, democracy had not failed; rather, leaders and citizens alike have sometimes fallen short in their responsibilities.
“The blame for the disappointments of the post-1999 years belongs entirely to us, as leaders and citizens, not to democracy or its foundational principles,” he stated.
The governor paid tribute to pro-democracy activists, who fought against military dictatorship, describing them as patriots whose sacrifices secured the freedom Nigerians enjoy today.
He noted that their courage, resilience and commitment to democratic ideals should inspire the present and future generations to continue the struggle for liberty, justice and national development.
Reject terrorism, Otti urges Nigerians
Mr Otti stressed that democracy was not an end in itself but a means of building a society in which individual rights, freedom, and justice would be guaranteed.
He urged Nigerians to reject terrorism, violent extremism, political greed, ethnic divisions and religious intolerance, describing them as threats to democratic progress.
He maintained that the heroes of the June 12 struggle came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds but were united by a common belief in democracy as the best path to national development.
The governor contended that although democracy is imperfect, it remains preferable because no superior alternative exists.
He expressed satisfaction that regular elections had become an established feature of the country’s political system after 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
“Every four years, citizens have the opportunity to choose their leaders. That alone tells an important story of how far we have come as a nation,” he stated.
Mr Otti, however, warned that elections would be meaningless if citizens failed to safeguard the integrity of the process.
He urged the citizenry to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further charged Nigerians to remain politically conscious, resist electoral manipulation and reject vote-buying, violence and divisive politics.
The governor stated that accepting money in exchange for votes undermines the right to demand accountability from elected officials.
“When citizens sell their votes or become instruments of violence and hatred, they become conspirators in the desecration of public trust,” he added.
He advised people to be wary of politicians who make unrealistic promises, noting that meaningful progress requires patience, vigilance, and accountability.
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He stated that democracy could only deliver development when citizens remain actively engaged and insist on good governance.
Mr Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
He therefore urged the people of Abia to remain united in pursuing a shared vision for a prosperous future.
He called on Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of past democracy activists by protecting democratic institutions and “ensuring that freedom and development remained enduring features of our national life.”
(NAN)
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