Abia Governor Otti Faces Criticism Over Alleged Local Government Power Grab

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has faced significant backlash over allegations that his administration is undermining local government autonomy through a controversial Local Government Administration Law.

The law, signed in April 2025, centralizes control of local government finances and appointments under the state government, prompting accusations of a “power grab.” Critics, including the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and opposition parties, argue that the law violates the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs).

The legislation allows the state to oversee LGA funds through a centralized account and empowers the governor to appoint transition committee chairmen, bypassing elected officials. Otti defended the law, stating it aims to curb corruption and ensure accountability, citing past mismanagement by LGA chairmen. He emphasized that Abia’s 17 LGAs would receive their allocations promptly, with state oversight to prevent diversion. However, protests in Umuahia and Aba, led by community leaders and LGA workers, have demanded the law’s repeal, accusing Otti of contradicting his reformist credentials.

The controversy has strained Otti’s relationship with grassroots stakeholders, with some PDP and APC members calling for federal intervention. Supporters, however, argue that the law is a pragmatic response to local governance challenges, pointing to Otti’s infrastructure achievements, such as road rehabilitation. The backlash highlights the broader tension between state and local governments over Nigeria’s federal structure, with the Abia case testing the implementation of LGA autonomy. Otti has promised dialogue, but the issue remains a flashpoint in Abia politics politics.