Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has stated that he will not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bid to contest the 2027 presidential election. In an interview with ARISE News, Otti emphasized that the president has the constitutional right to seek another term. However, he clarified that his decision not to oppose Tinubu's candidacy should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the president's re-election bid.
Otti explained that as a member of the government, publicly opposing its direction could create unnecessary divisions and undermine the administration. He stated that whenever he has concerns about government policies or decisions, he would raise them during meetings where such issues could be discussed. The governor stressed that he is not in a position to oppose Tinubu's candidacy.
The Abia governor maintained that Tinubu has the right to contest the 2027 election, and nobody could prevent him from exercising that right. However, he drew a distinction between acknowledging Tinubu's right to contest and supporting his presidential ambition. Otti already has a presidential candidate under the Labour Party for the 2027 election.
When asked about supporting Tinubu for the 2027 election, Otti said he wouldn't, citing his own presidential candidate. As a state governor and a member of the National Economic Council, Otti is involved in some of the decisions and programmes being implemented by the Federal Government. He noted that several policies introduced by the Tinubu administration resonate with his own thinking.
Otti cited the removal of fuel subsidy as an example of a policy that aligns with his thinking. He described the former fuel subsidy regime as unsustainable and noted that any attempt to reintroduce the subsidy would require adequate funding. The governor expressed that there are several things the Tinubu administration has implemented that resonate with him.
Otti's comments come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political actors positioning themselves for the presidential contest. The Abia governor has also recounted how he narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Abuja in 2015 while pursuing his gubernatorial ambition.
Otti disclosed that about 12 gunmen reportedly came to Maitama, Abuja, in July 2015 to kill him but arrived shortly after he had left the building. He recounted the incident during a solemn assembly and covenant renewal service organised by the Abia State Government in Umuahia, regarding his escape as an act of divine intervention.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti will not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 presidential bid.
- Otti's decision not to oppose Tinubu's candidacy does not imply endorsement.
- Otti has his own presidential candidate under the Labour Party for the 2027 election.
