Pensioners in Abia State, operating under the banner of Concerned Abia Pensioners, have advised Governor Alex Otti against spending public funds on political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that his achievements in office have already secured the people’s backing.

The appeal was made on Thursday during the group’s biweekly meeting held at the Sub-Treasury complex in Umuahia.

Members pledged their continued loyalty to the governor and expressed readiness to support his re-election, noting that opposition parties would find it difficult to unseat him considering the level of public approval he currently enjoys.

While commending the administration, the pensioners reminded the governor of his commitment to clear their outstanding gratuities, expressing optimism that he would honour the promise.

They also called on Otti to step into the lingering leadership dispute within the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners. According to them, the crisis has left the union’s secretariat locked for an extended period, forcing elderly members to conduct meetings outdoors.

Speaking at the gathering, the group’s Chairman, Elder John Kalu; Coordinator, Chief Emeka Okezie; Elder Ochu I. Ochu; and Mrs Agbaraevo Rosetta Iheanyichi applauded the governor’s leadership style and contrasted it with the difficult experiences pensioners faced before his administration came on board.

They particularly praised the regular payment of pensions on the 28th of every month, describing it as a first in the state’s history.

Chief Okezie warned political opponents against any attempt to disrupt the democratic process, especially through questionable electronic registration tactics, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated by the people.

He said the governor’s performance within less than three years had exceeded expectations and expressed confidence that the outstanding gratuities would soon be addressed.

Also addressing the pensioners, former Permanent Secretary Ochu Ochu reaffirmed the group’s support for the government and voiced hope that all promises made to retirees would be fulfilled. He further prayed for adequate resources to enable the state clear the backlog of payments.

The meeting ended with prayers for Governor Otti, his administration, and the overall progress of Abia State.