Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has once again stressed that he plans to exit active politics after completing his tenure as governor, reiterating that he has no intention of contesting for the presidency, vice-presidency, or a seat in the Senate when his term ends.
The governor made the declaration on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, responding to a viral social-media video in which a critic suggested his recent high-profile visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre was part of a broader political strategy aimed at future national ambitions.
Addressing the claims, Otti said that while disagreements and speculation are inherent in a democratic society, they do not necessarily reflect political reality. “In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy,” he said. “So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right.”
Emphasising his focus on his current mandate, the governor categorically rejected any suggestion he aims to pursue higher office. “By the time I am done with governorship, I will retire,” Otti declared. “So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.”
He reiterated that his entry into politics was driven by a specific mission — a mission he intends to complete before stepping aside. “I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people,” he said, adding that he did not understand the basis of the Igbo presidency thesis referenced by the critic. “So I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.”
Otti further reflected on political life and leadership, stressing the importance of knowing when to relinquish power. “When you have done what you have been asked to do, you must take the exit door and give way to other people,” he said. “We have seen people here who, after being governor, went back to become local government chairmen. That is not what we are here for. We are not cut out for those kinds of things.”
On the subject of his controversial visit to the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Otti described it as part of a broader effort to explore avenues for peace and negotiation on matters affecting his state. He said the visit was not connected to political ambition but rooted in his responsibility as governor.
“The truth about it is that exactly 24 months ago, I opened up discussions at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu,” Otti explained. “And going to see him is the right thing to do, because he comes from my state. In fact, he comes from the local government, Umuahia North, the state capital.”
Otti said that the issues surrounding Kanu and the legal processes in his case should be handled with sensitivity and awareness of multiple avenues for resolution, including appeals and peaceful negotiation.
“I am not a supporter of the disintegration of Nigeria,” he added. “So my position is that it would be insensitive of me to sit here and say that one of our own who has been convicted should die when we have an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and sue for peace.”
The governor’s statement comes amid a broader national political environment marked by speculation over alliances, defections, and leadership ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, an environment in which several governors and political figures are frequently discussed as potential candidates for higher offices.
However, Otti’s reiterated stance that his public service trajectory ends with his governorship, seeks to put a definitive end to rumours about any elevating ambitions.
