Independence: Otti Urges Nigerians to Reject Vote-Selling, Ethnic Sentiments

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Nigerians to reject vote-selling, political apathy and primordial sentiments, saying responsible citizenship and participation in elections are essential to the country's development.

Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day broadcast on Thursday, October 1, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary. His address was titled “Citizenship, Freedom and Vigilance.”

The governor urged Nigerians to embrace their responsibilities as citizens by voting, participating in social and political discussions, paying taxes, obeying the law, rejecting corruption and pursuing excellence in their various endeavours.

He warned that Nigeria's human and natural resources alone could not guarantee development without responsible citizenship and purposeful leadership.

“The pursuit of progress shall remain an illusion if majority of us continue to stay away from the ballots, sell our votes or vote on primordial sentiments,” Otti said.

The governor acknowledged the challenges confronting the country, including poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and insecurity.

He also expressed concern about the continued movement of young Nigerians abroad in search of opportunities, but urged citizens not to surrender to despair.

Instead, Otti called on Nigerians to channel their frustrations into legitimate efforts to demand better governance and contribute to national development.

He said Nigerians should recognise themselves as stakeholders in the country's future regardless of their political affiliation, religion, occupation or place of origin.

Otti also condemned dishonesty, mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, arguing that such practices contribute to corruption, institutional inefficiency and developmental setbacks.

On democracy, the governor noted that Nigeria had remained on the democratic path for 27 years and described the continuity as significant given the political setbacks experienced during the country's early years.

He said democracy provides citizens with an opportunity to determine who governs them and urged Nigerians to use that opportunity to demand capable leadership.

“The philosophy of hiring the best hands for the job should apply to every public position in contest,” Otti said.

The governor also commended security personnel for their sacrifices in confronting insecurity and acknowledged the contributions of teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, scientists, artists, sportspeople and other Nigerians contributing to national development.

Addressing Abia residents, Otti thanked them for their support and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the socioeconomic transformation of the state.

He said his administration would continue working to build systems and institutions capable of responding to the state's development needs, while making the security and welfare of Abians a priority.

Otti also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting the gains of independence and democracy, warning that complacency could create opportunities for those seeking to undermine the freedoms secured by previous generations.