Mao Ohuabunwa Dissociates Self From Communiqué Criticizing Otti’s Administration, Says PDP Stakeholders’ Resolution Misrepresented

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has distanced himself from a controversial PDP communiqué that appeared to criticize Governor Alex Otti’s administration. The former lawmaker insists he never endorsed such claims and accuses mischief makers of twisting the Abia North stakeholders’ meeting resolution.

The political atmosphere in Abia North took a dramatic turn over the weekend following the circulation of a communiqué from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting held on August 30, 2025, at the country home of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

The communiqué, which was expected to reflect unity and strategic planning for the future of the PDP in Abia North, has now stirred controversy, particularly over its item five, which appeared to downplay the achievements of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

Reacting swiftly, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has categorically dissociated himself from the said portion of the communiqué, describing it as a mischievous insertion and a deliberate attempt to pit him against the current administration in Abia State.

In a strongly worded press statement issued by his media office, Ohuabunwa clarified that at no point did he endorse, author, or support any claim that the performance of Governor Otti was not commensurate with the financial inflows into the state.

“Such a line of thought is a gross misrepresentation of the deliberations that took place,” the statement declared, adding that the stakeholders’ meeting was characterized by camaraderie, forward-looking discussions, and a collective resolve to reposition the PDP.

The former senator emphasized that as a statesman and patriot, his politics goes beyond bitterness or unnecessary denigration of leaders, regardless of party lines. Instead, he believes in constructive engagement, collaboration, and progressive politics that promote peace and prosperity for the people.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa therefore urged the public to disregard the misleading communiqué, stressing that the contentious section neither reflected his views nor represented what was discussed at the Abia North PDP meeting.

Political watchers believe this clarification is strategic, as it not only shields Ohuabunwa from allegations of undermining the Otti administration but also positions him as a mature leader seeking unity rather than division within Abia politics.

The development has, however, sparked heated debates across the state, with analysts suggesting that the mischievous insertion may have been the handiwork of political rivals seeking to destabilize both the PDP and Mao Ohuabunwa’s standing ahead of future political contests.

For now, the Senator has reaffirmed his commitment to the progress, peace, and prosperity of Abia North, Abia State, and Nigeria at large, while keeping faith with the principles of responsible leadership.

See full Statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

SENATOR MAO OHUABUNWA DISASSOCIATES HIMSELF FROM MISREPRESENTED COMMUNIQUÉ ON GOVERNANCE IN ABIA STATE

The attention of the Media Office of Distinguished Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has been drawn to a communiqué issued at the end of the Abia North PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting held on 30th August 2025 at his country home.

While the communiqué generally reflected the spirit of camaraderie, unity, and forward-looking deliberations that characterized the meeting, we wish to categorically, firmly, and unequivocally distance Senator Mao Ohuabunwa from the content of item Five (5) which purportedly cast aspersions on the achievements of the present administration in Abia State. The insinuation contained in item Five is not only misleading but also mischievous, and it attempts to sow discord where harmony, solidarity, and mutual respect should thrive.

For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa neither authored, endorsed, nor subscribed to any statement suggesting that the jobs by the of the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, are not commensurate with the financial inflows accruing to the state. Such a line of thought is a gross misrepresentation of the deliberations that took place.

As a statesman, party leader, and patriot, Senator Ohuabunwa believes that governance, regardless of partisan leanings, should always be encouraged when it brings tangible dividends to the people. He holds the conviction that politics should not be reduced to a zero-sum game of bitterness and denigration, but rather an avenue for constructive partnership that advances the collective good of the citizenry.

We therefore urge the general public, party faithful, and the good people of Abia North and Abia State to disregard the offensive and misleading insertion of item Five of the said communiqué. It does not represent the views of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, nor does it capture the spirit of the stakeholders’ meeting and such was never discussed at the meeting which was aimed at fostering unity and preparing the PDP for future prospects.

Senator Ohuabunwa remains resolute in his commitment to the progress, peace, and prosperity of Abia North, Abia State and Nigeria in general and will continue to engage in progressive politics.

Signed:
Media Office of Distinguished Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PhD
31st August, 2025