Former Nigerian Senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa, has distanced himself from a communiqué purportedly released by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that accused Governor Alex Chioma Otti of financial mismanagement and alleged misuse of state allocations.

According to Ohuabunwa, the controversial item five in the communiqué was a “mischievous insertion” allegedly crafted by individuals with the intent to create political tension and discredit Governor Otti’s administration.

Speaking through his media office on Monday, September 1, 2025, the former Senator clarified that he had been made aware of the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Abia North PDP stakeholders’ meeting, which was held on August 30, 2025, at his country home.

Ohuabunwa explained that the communiqué, in its entirety, largely represented the spirit of unity, camaraderie, and forward-looking deliberations that marked the stakeholders’ meeting. However, he firmly maintained that item five — which allegedly questioned the performance and achievements of Governor Otti’s administration — was never discussed or agreed upon during the meeting.

“For clarity’s sake, I, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, neither authored, endorsed, nor subscribed to any statement implying that the efforts of the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, do not align with the financial inflows received by the state,” Ohuabunwa emphasized.

The former lawmaker expressed disappointment at what he described as a gross misrepresentation of facts. He warned against the dangerous path of reducing politics to bitterness, propaganda, and divisive narratives. Instead, he urged political stakeholders in Abia State to embrace constructive engagement, unity, and collaboration in order to move the state forward.

Ohuabunwa concluded by reminding political actors that true democracy thrives when leaders and citizens focus on developmental partnerships rather than indulging in malicious smear campaigns.