Abia Govt Describes Charles Ogbonna’s Allegation Against Otti As False, Malicious

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has described as false, baseless and malicious a statement credited to Chief Charles Ogbonna alleging that Governor Alex Otti said “Ngwa people have no brains.”

The government stated its position in a press release issued on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

According to the release, Chief Ogbonna made the allegation in a video and statement, among other utterances.

The government said it would have ordinarily ignored Ogbonna like it had ignored many of his recent attacks, but decided to put the records straight because of the gravity of the claims.

“We wish to state categorically that this allegation is false, baseless, and a figment of Chief Ogbonna’s imagination. At no time, in private or in public, did Governor Otti make such a statement,” the release stated.

It added that Governor Otti holds Ndi Ngwa, like all Abians, in highest esteem, as demonstrated through equitable appointments, projects and policies across all zones of the state.

The government noted that Ogbonna contradicted himself by saying Governor Otti told him he was from Nvosi in Ngwa and then proceeded to pronounce Ngwa people brainless, which would imply the Governor himself was without brains.

The statement challenged Ogbonna to produce evidence he claimed to have and to disclose what went wrong between him and the Governor, rather than resorting to tantrums.

According to the government, Ogbonna’s latest outburst followed commencement of campaigns for the 2027 elections, alleging that having seen his party suffering visibility and popularity problems, he resorted to incitement and hate speech.

“It is sad that at a time Governor Otti’s stellar performance has united Abians across clan and political lines, Chief Ogbonna believes the only way to stop his re-election is to stir clannish disaffection and ethnic hate. Sadly for him, Abia people are wiser than him,” Ekeoma stated

The release recalled that Ogbonna had earlier condemned the award of contract for the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, while other Abians celebrated, alleging that his position was informed by fear that the project would give Otti goodwill and advantage.

“Massive work is ongoing on the said Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road today, to the shock and shame of Chief Ogbonna. Abia has since left that era when men like Chief Ogbonna called the shots and denied Abians good governance. The era of godfatherism and primitive politics ended on May 29, 2023,” the government said.

It condemned what it described as Ogbonna’s divisive utterances and warned him to desist from instigating hatred and division among Abians, adding that at his age, he should build bridges and not sow seeds of rancour.

“Governor Otti remains focused on delivering good governance to all Abians and will not be distracted by desperate politicians,” the statement added.