Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his commitment to ethical leadership, saying his administration will not deliberately engage in actions that contradict his Christian beliefs and principles of good governance.
Otti made the declaration on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during a worship service at the headquarters of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries in Ijesha, Lagos State.
Speaking before the congregation, the governor said his involvement in politics was rooted in his belief that power ultimately belongs to God and that those entrusted with leadership must remain accountable for their actions.
Otti attributed his strong Christian foundation partly to his upbringing in a pastor’s household. “My late father was a pastor, and he was Pastor Lazarus Otti. So you can understand, I am a Levite,” he said.
Explaining the principle guiding his administration, the governor added: “Our foray into politics is because we believe that power belongs to God. God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God. “We take instructions from God. If it is not right, we will not do it. If God does not approve it, we will not do it.”
Otti said the visit fulfilled a promise he had made to the church’s Founder and General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, during one of the cleric’s visits to Abia State. The governor also reflected on his administration’s performance since assuming office in May 2023, saying the state had experienced significant improvements under his leadership.
He recalled that Abia residents had previously faced circumstances that made some reluctant to identify with the state but expressed confidence that the situation had improved. Otti invited Nigerians who had yet to visit Abia to come and assess the changes for themselves. His remarks drew applause from members of the congregation.
The governor’s remarks followed similar comments he made on Saturday during a Sabbath worship service at the Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia. Otti described God as the foundation of his administration and said he would not approach the State House of Assembly, the judiciary or any other institution to seek approval for wrongdoing.
He maintained that public officials who act with integrity can defend their decisions without fear and enjoy peace of mind. Otti has previously made public statements linking his administration’s leadership philosophy to his Christian faith.
In April 2026, he reiterated his belief that political power belongs to God during a Sabbath worship service at the Unity Chapel, urging Abia residents not to fear a return to the state’s previous challenges. The governor’s latest remarks reinforce his stated position that religious conviction should inform the exercise of public authority.
However, his declaration represents his stated commitment to ethical governance; the performance of his administration remains a matter that can also be assessed through its policies, decisions and public accountability.