…Explains his support for Tinubu
Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid while ruling out any plan to contest for the presidency or another elective office after completing his tenure as governor.
Otti spoke during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, where he addressed his political position ahead of the 2027 general election and his relationship with other political actors, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
The governor, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, said his support for Tinubu’s administration should not be confused with the Labour Party’s position on the 2027 presidential election.
Otti said his position was influenced partly by his role as a governor and member of the National Economic Council, where state governors participate in discussions and decisions concerning the country.
“It works the way you have said. It’s a statement of fact. I am not in a position to oppose his candidacy,” Otti said.
He explained that governors could disagree with certain government policies but should raise their concerns through appropriate government channels rather than create unnecessary confrontation.
“And sometimes people don’t understand opposition. When you say opposition, and you are part of a government, then what you are driving towards is implosion,” he said.
“So if I do have a problem with anything, I’ll sit down in one of our meetings and I’ll make my point. So I’m not going to oppose his candidacy.”
Otti, however, maintained that he had previously indicated support for a Labour Party presidential candidate, distinguishing that position from his support for Tinubu in his capacity as the incumbent President.
When asked whether Tinubu was the Labour Party candidate he had referred to, Otti rejected the suggestion.
“No, that’s not what I said,” he said, adding that he was referring to a candidate of the Labour Party.
The governor also identified some Tinubu administration policies that he said were consistent with his own views, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy.
“Quite frankly, there are a lot of things that we have talked about now, that he has implemented, that resonate with me and my thinking,” Otti said.
“People don’t have to agree with me, but from where I sit, I know that for instance, the fuel subsidy was even unsustainable.”
The interviewer then returned to the question of whether he was supporting Tinubu.
“What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?” Otti responded.
He said Tinubu had a right to contest the 2027 election and noted that, as a state governor and member of the National Economic Council, he was involved in some of the decisions and policies of the Federal Government.
“I had also said that as a governor in this republic, that a lot of the things that are being, in fact, I’m part of all the things that have been done as a member of National Economic Council. So, we should distinguish that.
“When somebody now says, ‘Oh, you are supporting or you’re not,’ I have to support him,” he said.
Otti Rules Out Presidential Ambition
Despite his active participation in political discussions ahead of 2027, Otti said he had no plans to seek another elective position after completing his tenure as governor.
He ruled out running for president, the Senate, local government chairmanship or any other elective office.
“I had said just a few days ago that by the time I’m done with this, I’ll retire. So I’m not going to run for any other thing, not local government chairman, not Senate, not president, no,” he said.
Otti said his political career was driven by what he described as a sense of duty and that he intended to leave politics after completing the work he set out to do in Abia.
“I think I came to deliver a calling, and that is what I’m doing now. Once I finish it, I’ll retire. And I’m not getting any younger anymore,” he added.
Otti Says Obi, Atiku Can Campaign In Abia
The governor also said opposition politicians would be free to campaign in Abia State, regardless of their political affiliations.
He specifically mentioned Peter Obi, saying there was no disagreement between them that would prevent the former Anambra governor from campaigning in the state.
“Oh, absolutely. Anybody that wants to campaign in my state will be allowed. Peter Obi and I are not fighting. Just like there’s nobody I’m fighting,” Otti said.
He added that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other presidential candidates would similarly be allowed to campaign in the state.
“So if he wants to campaign in the state, he will be allowed to campaign. If any other person, even Atiku, if he wants to campaign, he will be allowed to campaign. So that is what democracy is about,” he said.
Otti’s comments come as political parties and their potential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with discussions around alliances, presidential candidates and the future direction of the opposition continuing across the country.
The governor, meanwhile, said his immediate priority remained the completion of his tenure in Abia rather than pursuing another political office.
