Former Army Chief Says Public Office Should Be About Service, Not Personal Gain
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), has declared his support for Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying he would also support individuals who back the governor.
Ihejirika made the declaration while receiving the Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, at his residence in Ovim, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
The former Army Chief also commended Bourdex for offering himself for public service, describing his decision to contest for the Senate as a sacrifice to the people of Abia North.
For Ihejirika, the decision to leave behind personal and professional commitments to seek elective office should be viewed through the lens of service to the people.
He said Bourdex’s accomplishments and busy schedule notwithstanding, his decision to enter politics demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the development of the people and communities he seeks to represent.
Ihejirika also pointed to completed infrastructure projects as part of the issues that could feature prominently in Governor Otti’s campaign ahead of 2027. He questioned critics of the administration who, according to him, criticise government projects while also making use of roads and other infrastructure delivered under the administration.
One project that featured prominently in Ihejirika’s remarks was the Omenuko Bridge and the adjoining road corridor, which he recalled as one of the highlights of his recent 70th birthday activities.
Governor Otti, alongside Ihejirika, commissioned the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge and the 30-kilometre Ozu Abam–Ndi Okereke–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road on February 13, 2026. The Abia State Government described the projects as major infrastructure interventions aimed at improving connectivity across communities.
For residents who had endured years of difficult journeys along the route, the projects carry implications beyond politics. The old Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River had deteriorated badly, with reports linking its condition to years of hardship and danger for motorists and other road users. The reconstructed bridge and road were presented at the commissioning as infrastructure capable of improving movement and economic connections among communities.
Ihejirika had also commended Governor Otti during the February commissioning, describing the infrastructure as critical to strengthening connectivity among communities.
During his meeting with Bourdex, the retired general prayed for the senatorial candidate and wished him success in his political journey.
He reiterated that seeking elective office should be regarded as a sacrifice when the ultimate objective is to serve the public rather than pursue personal benefit.
Bourdex is the Labour Party’s candidate for Abia North Senatorial District in the 2027 election. His recent political activities have included consultations and engagements with traditional rulers, political stakeholders and community groups across the senatorial district.
Ihejirika’s comments come as political activities gather momentum across Abia ahead of the 2027 elections, with candidates and political groups increasingly taking their messages to communities and influential stakeholders.
For residents, however, the emerging political debate is likely to extend beyond endorsements and campaign alliances to questions about roads, bridges, jobs, economic opportunities, public services and the quality of representation that can directly affect everyday life.
With the 2027 elections approaching, statements by prominent figures such as Ihejirika are expected to add to the growing conversation over the performance of the Otti administration and the candidates seeking elective positions across Abia.
