The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has condemned the recent formation of a shadow government by the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling it a treasonable act and pledging to take legal action against it.
During a meeting with labor leaders in the state on Tuesday, Governor Otti dismissed the move, labeling it as unfounded and a reflection of a lack of understanding of Nigeria's political system.
The PDP had recently announced the creation of a shadow government in Abia, appointing a speaker and shadow commissioners, with the stated goal of holding the state’s ruling administration accountable.
Otti characterized PDP’s actions as the creation of a "government in exile," emphasizing that since this arrangement has no legal standing, it amounts to treason.
He pointed out that the concept of a shadow government does not exist within the framework of Nigeria's presidential democracy.
"In a presidential system like ours, there is no such thing as a shadow government. The problem here is ignorance, and an unwillingness to learn. Shadow governments are only a feature of parliamentary democracies.
"In a presidential democracy, there is no such thing as a shadow government. The issue here is ignorance, and a refusal to understand the system. Shadow governments are a feature of parliamentary democracies, not ours", Otti stated.
He added, "What they have established is essentially a government in exile, and since it has no legal recognition, it amounts to treason."
The governor revealed that he had directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, to take firm legal action on the issue.
“We are a serious, law-abiding government,” Otti emphasized. “If any faction of the PDP sets up a government in exile, we will treat it as such and allow the law to take its course. People need to understand that politics is not about engaging in foolishness.”
The governor also accused the PDP of trying to sow confusion and divert his administration’s attention from its responsibilities. Despite this, he reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on delivering effective governance to the people of Abia.
Otti said, “They call themselves ‘shadow’ to distract us into chasing after illusions.
“But we will not be misled. Our primary focus is the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Abia State.”
