Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified his position on President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, stating that he supports the President in his capacity as a governor and member of the National Economic Council. In an exclusive interview with Arise Television, Otti addressed concerns about his support for Tinubu's re-election, given his affiliation with the Labour Party. Otti emphasized that as a governor, he is involved in some of the decisions and policies of the Federal Government.
Otti made it clear that he is not in a position to oppose Tinubu's candidacy, adding that doing so while being part of the government could lead to "implosion". He distinguished between supporting Tinubu's administration and having a presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2027 election. When asked directly whether he was supporting Tinubu for re-election, Otti referred to his previous statement about having a presidential candidate for the Labour Party.
The interviewer identified Tinubu as Otti's preferred candidate, but Otti rejected the suggestion. He confirmed that he was referring to a Labour Party presidential candidate. The interviewer pressed Otti on whether he was supporting Tinubu, to which Otti responded, "What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?" Otti acknowledged that Tinubu has a right to contest the 2027 election.
As a state governor and member of the National Economic Council, Otti is involved in some of the decisions and policies of the Federal Government. He emphasized that he had previously stated that a lot of the things being done have been discussed in the National Economic Council. Otti added that when somebody says he is supporting or not supporting Tinubu, he has to support him as a governor.
Otti also discussed his approach to political disagreement, stating that he prefers to raise concerns within government meetings rather than openly oppose the President. He said that openly opposing the President while being part of the government could lead to "implosion". Instead, Otti chooses to make his points in meetings.
Otti cited the removal of the fuel subsidy as an example of a policy that resonates with his own views. He stated that the fuel subsidy was unsustainable and that he had discussed this issue previously. Otti emphasized that people do not have to agree with him, but from his perspective, the removal of the fuel subsidy was a necessary step.
Otti's comments come amid speculation about Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. As a Labour Party governor, Otti's support for Tinubu has raised questions about his party's stance on the President's re-election. Otti's clarification aims to provide insight into his position and approach to politics.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti supports President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid due to his role as governor and member of the National Economic Council.
