APC Criticizes Gov. Otti for Naming New Abia Bus Terminal After INEC Returning Officer

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

The decision to name the newly opened Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Prof. Nnenna Oti, who served as the Returning Officer for the 2023 Abia State governorship election, has sparked intense debate in the state.

During the inauguration of the motor hub on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Governor Alex Otti dedicated the facility to Prof. Oti, citing her integrity and role in the election. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the move, calling it “morally questionable” and a threat to the credibility of future elections in Abia.

The state‑of‑the‑art terminal, capable of handling more than 340 buses simultaneously, serves as a loading and offloading bay for all inter‑ and intra‑city buses arriving in or departing from Umuahia. It is part of Governor Otti’s broader transportation reform agenda, which aims to create an organized, safe, and efficient transport system across the state.

The complex includes 62 air‑conditioned rooms, 30 public conveniences, 22 shops and commercial centres, a restaurant, and a motel, all designed to provide comfort and convenience for commuters and visitors.

Governor Otti said, “The days of playing small are over in Abia State. What we are building is a modern transport ecosystem that supports commerce, mobility, safety, and economic prosperity for our people.” He added that the terminal was designed with a focus on accessibility, environmental sustainability, commuter comfort, and provisions for persons with disabilities.

In naming the terminal, the governor praised Prof. Oti for “doing the right thing” and for her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the 2023 election. “Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history. By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” Otti said.

Prof. Oti, in turn, thanked the governor for the honour and reiterated the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership in public service. She urged leaders to remain committed to doing what is right for the people and to stand on the side of truth, hoping that Nigeria would become a nation where truth, justice, and honesty thrive. She also confirmed that she ensured votes were counted correctly in the 2023 elections.

However, the Abia APC has rejected and condemned the governor’s gesture, alleging that he is rewarding Prof. Oti for her role in the 2023 elections.

In a statement released in Umuahia by APC Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru, titled “APC Condemns the Naming of Umuahia Central Bus Terminal After Prof. Nnenna Oti,” the party described the action as “a reckless endorsement of compromise, conflict of interest, and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.”

The party expressed concern that a public officer who merely carried out an official assignment is being immortalised “by the very beneficiary of the election outcome she supervised,” and argued that it is an insult to Abians that she be honoured above proven sons of the state who have contributed to development.

The Abia APC stated, “Any gift, honour, or public reward extended to a public officer before or after the discharge of official responsibility raises serious ethical and legal concerns. In civilized democracies, such actions are interpreted as inducement, gratification, or reward for favourable conduct. Governor Alex Otti’s action is therefore not only morally questionable but dangerous to the future credibility of elections in Abia State.”

The party maintained that neither the bus terminal nor any public monument in the state should be named after Professor Oti, deeming the honour “undeserved.” It threatened to “formally petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the relationship between Governor Otti and Professor Oti, including her activities during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State,” should the governor refuse to reverse his decision and the professor fail to reject the honour.