The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Alex Otti’s decision to name 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.
In a reaction on Thursday, the party described the move as a dangerous precedent that could send the wrong signal to electoral officials ahead of the 2027 elections.
A statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, argued that Governor Otti ought to have honoured other prominent indigenes of Abia State instead of Professor Nnenna Oti.
The statement questioned the rationale behind the decision, asking: “Since when did favourable electoral outcomes begin to attract rewards and state-sponsored recognition?”
The APC further rejected and condemned the naming of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal—or any public infrastructure—after Professor Oti, describing the honour as “undeserved, provocative, divisive, and embarrassing” to the people of Abia State.
The party also argued that it was inappropriate to immortalize an electoral officer rather than individuals it described as proven contributors to the development of the state.
It therefore called on Governor Alex Otti to reconsider and reverse the decision to name the project after Professor Nnenna Oti.
Backstory…
The controversy stems from Governor Alex Otti’s decision to name the newly constructed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Oti, who served as the INEC Returning Officer for Abia State during the 2023 general elections.
Professor Oti became widely known during the election period for her role in overseeing the collation and announcement of results in Abia State, which drew significant public attention. Following the elections, Governor Otti’s administration chose to honour her by naming the bus terminal after her.
However, the decision has now triggered backlash from the Abia State chapter of the APC, which argues that the honour is inappropriate and could set a “dangerous precedent.” The party believes public monuments should be reserved for individuals who have made long-standing contributions to state development rather than electoral officials.
The APC also fears the move could influence how future electoral officers behave in subsequent elections, particularly ahead of 2027, while insisting that other notable Abia indigenes would have been more suitable for such recognition.
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