Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has stated that openly opposing President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid could lead to an "implosion" within government. In an interview with Arise Television, Otti explained that his position as a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) makes it difficult for him to oppose Tinubu's candidacy. As a governor and NEC member, Otti is involved in federal policy decisions.
Otti distinguished between his role in the NEC and the Labour Party's (LP) position on the 2027 presidential election. He recalled previously stating that he had a presidential candidate within the party. When asked if he was supporting Tinubu's re-election, Otti disagreed, saying "No, that's not what I said." The governor was responding to questions about his support for Tinubu despite being an LP member.
The interviewer pressed Otti on whether he was supporting Tinubu, to which he responded, "What do you expect me to say? To say I'm not supporting him?" Otti emphasized that his participation in the federal government's decision-making process means he is part of policies and decisions being implemented. As an NEC member, Otti said he had to support government decisions.
Otti prefers to raise disagreements with government policies during official meetings rather than publicly opposing the President. He argued that opposing Tinubu while remaining part of the government could create internal divisions and affect its operations. This approach helps prevent "implosion" within the government.
The Abia governor cited the removal of the petrol subsidy as an example of a policy that aligns with his views. According to Otti, the subsidy had become unsustainable, although others might disagree with his position. He added that some of Tinubu's policies resonate with his thinking.
Otti's comments come as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. As a governor and LP member, Otti's stance on Tinubu's re-election bid has sparked interest among political observers. The LP had previously announced its plans for the 2027 election.
Key points to note include Otti's role in the NEC, which limits his ability to oppose Tinubu's candidacy, and his preference for raising disagreements during official meetings. A third key point is that some of Tinubu's policies, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy, align with Otti's views.
Key points
- Abia Governor Alex Otti can't oppose President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid due to his role in the National Economic Council.
- Otti prefers to raise disagreements with government policies during official meetings rather than publicly opposing the President.
- Some of Tinubu's policies, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy, align with Otti's views.
