Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has dismissed claims that his visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was driven by political ambition, saying the move was purely aimed at promoting peace and dialogue.
The governor made the clarification on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving members of the Abia Diaspora Commission and the medical team participating in the state’s Global Medical Mission 2025.
Reacting to a viral video in which he was criticised for allegedly using the visit for political gain, Otti said differing opinions are normal in a democratic society but stressed that his actions were guided by the need to foster stability.
Addressing suggestions that the visit was linked to future political aspirations, the governor reiterated his earlier position that he has no ambition beyond his current role.
“One of the issues raised in the video was my ambition after serving as governor,” Otti said. “I have stated before, and I repeat today, that when I complete my tenure as governor, I will retire from public office.”
Otti emphasised that peace and security remain essential to the development of Abia State and the wider South-East region, noting that dialogue remains a vital tool for resolving longstanding challenges.
The governor’s comments followed his visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 30, accompanied by officials of the Sokoto State Government. Video footage from the visit showed heavy security presence around the facility.
Kanu, the IPOB leader, was convicted on November 21, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Justice James Omotosho found him guilty on seven counts brought by the Federal Government.
According to the ruling, Kanu received life sentences on four counts, while he was also sentenced to additional prison terms of 20 years and five years on two other counts.
Following the conviction, Kanu was transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Facility. The move sparked controversy, with his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, criticising the transfer as an attempt to isolate him from his family, legal team and supporters.
Despite the criticism surrounding his visit, Governor Otti maintained that his actions were solely focused on encouraging dialogue and ensuring peace, not advancing any personal or political agenda.
