The Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Alex Otti, accusing the state government of neglecting critical infrastructure and abandoning communities despite promises of transformation.
In a strongly worded statement released to the public, Ogala expressed deep concern over what she described as the continued suffering of ordinary Abians, citing the deplorable state of roads, markets, and public infrastructure across the state as evidence that many communities have been left behind.
She specifically pointed to the Uratta Timber Market Road, describing it as a vital economic artery that remains in a shameful condition despite its importance to traders, transporters, timber merchants, artisans, and thousands of residents who depend on the corridor for their livelihoods.
According to her, years of neglect have transformed the road into a symbol of government failure, with deep potholes, poor drainage, seasonal flooding, and environmental hazards creating daily hardships for businesses and residents alike.
Ogala argued that while government attention appears concentrated on a select number of highly publicized projects, many roads linking markets, farms, schools, hospitals, and residential communities across Abia continue to deteriorate.
She maintained that the situation reflects what she called “elite neglect,” insisting that ordinary citizens who form the backbone of the state’s economy deserve far greater attention and investment.
The AAC candidate said the realities confronting residents across Aba, Umuahia, and several rural communities reveal a governance gap that cannot be hidden by political messaging or public relations campaigns.
She accused successive administrations of failing to place the needs of ordinary people at the center of governance and declared that Abians deserve a government that recognizes the importance of every community regardless of political considerations.
Presenting her vision for the state, Ogala said her candidacy is anchored on what she described as a socialist model of governance that prioritizes public welfare over private interests.
She stated that an AAC-led administration would focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure, beginning with strategic roads that support commerce, transportation, agriculture, and community development.
According to her, projects under her administration would be executed through transparent processes involving competent local contractors, direct labour initiatives, and community-based monitoring mechanisms aimed at preventing project abandonment and contract inflation.
She promised that every public project would be subjected to strict accountability measures and that government spending would be open to public scrutiny.
Beyond infrastructure, Ogala unveiled an ambitious programme that includes expanded investment in public education, healthcare, youth employment, vocational training, agricultural development, and support for small-scale manufacturing.
She argued that Abia possesses the potential to become one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial and commercial centres if government policies are directed toward supporting local production and empowering indigenous entrepreneurs.
The actress-turned-politician also emphasized the need to revive dormant industries, strengthen local businesses, and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people who continue to face economic uncertainty.
On corruption, she pledged a zero-tolerance approach, describing the diversion of public resources as one of the greatest obstacles to development and a betrayal of public trust.
She promised that contracts, project costs, and implementation processes would be made available to citizens while independent monitoring structures would be established to ensure accountability at all levels of government.
Ogala further advocated for the establishment of cooperative systems in agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing, arguing that wealth generated within the state should benefit workers, families, and local communities rather than a privileged few.
Calling on Abians to embrace political change, she said the state must move away from what she termed an era of broken promises, selective development, and propaganda-driven governance.
She maintained that while no administration can solve all problems overnight, honest leadership, transparency, and commitment to public welfare can restore confidence in government and accelerate development.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, Ogala’s remarks signal an emerging battle of ideas and policy alternatives, with infrastructure development, economic revival, transparency, and social welfare likely to dominate discussions about the future direction of Abia State.
The AAC candidate concluded her message by urging residents to support what she described as a people-driven movement aimed at building a state where opportunities are accessible, infrastructure serves every community, and governance restores dignity and hope to the people.