The Governor of Abia State is the number one citizen and chief executive of the state. He or she resides in the Government House and oversees the affairs of the state by delegating responsibilities to cabinet members.
Since the creation of Abia State on August 27, 1991, during the Third Republic of Nigeria, the office of the governor has been occupied either through appointment or democratic election. During the military era, governors were appointed by the Head of State, while in democratic periods, governors have been elected by the people of Abia through a voting process.
Because the office of the governor is important in shaping the direction of the state, and for the benefit of those interested in the history of its leadership, we’ve compiled a complete list of all governors of Abia State, including their full names, tenure, and political party affiliations.
Complete List of Abia State Governors (1991 – Date)
| # | Name | Years in Office | Party Affiliation | Title |
| 1st | Frank Ajobena | Aug 28, 1991 – Jan 1992 | None | Military Administrator |
| 2nd | Ogbonnaya Onu | Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 | NRC | Executive Governor |
| 3rd | Chinyere Ike Nwosu | Dec 9, 1993 – Sep 14, 1994 | None | Military Administrator |
| 4th | Temi Ejoor | Sep 14, 1994 – Aug 22, 1996 | None | Military Administrator |
| 5th | Moses Fasanya | Aug 22, 1996 – Aug 1998 | None | Military Administrator |
| 6th | Anthony Obi | Aug 1998 – May 29, 1999 | None | Military Administrator |
| 7th | Orji Uzor Kalu | May 29, 1999 – May 29, 2007 | PDP / PPA | Executive Governor |
| 8th | Theodore A. Orji | May 29, 2007 – May 29, 2015 | PPA | Executive Governor |
| 9th | Okezie Ikpeazu | May 29, 2015 – May 29, 2023 | PDP | Executive Governor |
| 10th | Alex Chioma Otti | May 29, 2023 – Present (Incumbent) | LP (Labour Party) | Executive Governor |
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Who Was the First Governor of Abia State?
Many people, especially residents of Abia State, may not know that Frank Onaweneryene Ajobena was the pioneer governor of the state. He was appointed as a military administrator and assumed office on August 28, 1991.
Frank Ajobena was a Nigerian military officer who served Abia State for about five months. He was born in 1949 in Jos, Plateau State, but hails from Okpe, in present-day Delta State. The Okpe people are a subgroup of the Urhobo ethnic group and speak the Urhobo language.
Despite his short tenure, Frank Ajobena played a significant role in laying the administrative foundation of Abia State. It is important to note that he was the first military administrator of the state.
Who Is the Current Governor of Abia State?
As of now, Dr. Alex Otti is the current and 7th Executive Governor of Abia State. He emerged victorious in the 2023 gubernatorial election under the platform of the Labour Party (LP), defeating his closest rival, Okey Ahiwe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Dr. Otti was officially sworn into office on May 29, 2023, along with his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu.
Born in 1965, Alex Otti hails from Umuru-Umuehim village, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State. He is a seasoned professional with a strong background in banking and economics, having held top roles in Nigeria’s banking sector before diversifying into politics.
Conclusion
If you are a student or someone seeking to understand the transition of governorship in Abia State from its creation to the present day, this guide provides the names of all eligible governors, including profiles of both the first and new (current) governor.
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