OTTI CALLS FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AS NIGERIA CELEBRATES DEMOCRACY DAY AFTER 26 YEARS.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has urged Nigerians not to be daunted by the current issues challenging the country’s democracy.

The Governor in his 2026 Democracy Day message titled , “Of Freedom and Development” argued that the gap between the people’s expectations and realities in the country should not force the citizens to be disillusioned about the nation’s prospects of achieving great success in future.

The Governor stressed the importance of peaceful civic engagement and insisted that the path Nigerians choose for the country would determine the future of their communities and the nation.

He called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of freedom, accountability, justice and active citizenship.

The Governor while noting that the build up to the 2027 general elections is gaining momentum, urged residents of Abia State to become more involved in public affairs and defend the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process through vigilance and informed participation in electoral and political matters.

He stressed that democracy should not be viewed as an end in itself but as a vehicle for building a society where individual rights are protected and development is inclusive.

Governor Otti paid tribute to the pro-democracy activists and patriots who resisted military rule in the years following the annulment of the presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

The governor also called for a united national response against terrorism, violent crime and extremism, warning that economic and political greed, sectarianism and intolerance remain threats to democratic prog

ress.