APC Slams Gov. Otti Over ‘Embarrassing’ Reward Of Ex-INEC Returning Officer

According to Ireporter Online, the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the administration of Governor Alex Otti over the decision to name the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Professor Nnenna Oti, who served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election in the state.

The opposition party, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, described the decision as inappropriate and capable of setting a troubling precedent ahead of future electoral processes, including the 2027 elections. The APC argued that honouring an electoral officer in such a manner could send the wrong signal and potentially compromise the perceived neutrality of election officials deployed to the state.

The party further condemned the move as divisive and embarrassing, insisting that public monuments and state projects should be named after distinguished Abia personalities rather than individuals connected to electoral duties. It maintained that the gesture was undeserved and called on the state government to reconsider and reverse the naming of the facility.

The statement also questioned the rationale behind what it described as rewarding electoral outcomes with state recognition, arguing that such actions could undermine public confidence in democratic processes.