PDP DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY FROM ABIA GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI ON PROJECT COSTS, IGR. (PHOTO).

 PDP Demands Transparency from Abia Governor Alex Otti on Project Costs, IGR

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has accused Governor Alex Otti’s administration of operating in secrecy regarding the cost of projects and the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). In a statement issued on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu, the opposition party challenged Otti to disclose detailed financial records of projects executed as the administration approaches its second anniversary on May 29, 2025.

The PDP criticized Otti for allegedly becoming intolerant of dissent, a stark contrast to his vocal critiques of the previous administration under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. The party highlighted growing public scrutiny, noting that respected voices once supportive of Otti are now raising concerns about alleged financial mismanagement. According to the PDP, the administration has failed to address claims of “monumental fraud” in quarterly financial reports, including N6.5 billion reportedly spent on recreational facilities, N10 billion on capacity building, N7 billion on ICT infrastructure, N54 billion on the renovation of “non-existent public schools,” and over N200 billion on other questionable infrastructure projects.

The statement also flagged the alleged expenditure of N36.5 billion on a 5.7km road in Port Harcourt, equating to N6.18 billion per kilometer, which the PDP claims is the most expensive road in Africa. “Instead of addressing these allegations, the administration has focused on discrediting critics while ignoring the facts,” Ikwuagwu said. “No amount of media campaigns can distract discerning Abians from demanding accountability.”

The PDP also referenced Abia-born civil engineer Engr. Eke Ako, based in Scotland, who was celebrated by Otti’s allies for holding the Ikpeazu administration accountable. Now, as Ako applies similar scrutiny to Otti’s government, the PDP claims he faces accusations of being a PDP-sponsored critic. “Was it Otti who sponsored him against Ikpeazu? The answer is no. Engr. Ako is not buyable,” the statement read. The party further alleged that Otti’s administration has received and “squandered” approximately N800 billion in 23 months, urging the governor to provide transparent answers to these concerns.

The Otti administration has yet to respond to the PDP’s allegations. As the second anniversary of the governor’s tenure approaches, calls for transparency continue to intensify.