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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has made it clear that he will not be throwing his weight behind any opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing a simple but powerful reason—he is also seeking a second term and believes in fair play.
The Labour Party governor made the revelation during his monthly media chat on Friday, where he addressed a range of political issues, including his stance on the 2027 presidency.
Otti, who has maintained a cordial relationship with the presidency despite belonging to an opposition party, explained that it would be hypocritical for him to deny another elected official the opportunity he himself is seeking.
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A Matter of Consistency
“I am not in a position to oppose the candidacy of the President. I am not running for President,” Otti stated plainly.
“Why would I oppose his presidency? I am also seeking a second term. Would it be right for me to say someone else should not have theirs?” he asked, throwing the question back at those who expected him to take a confrontational stance.
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The governor dismissed attempts by political commentators to frame his position along party lines, emphasizing that governance requires cooperation across all levels—federal, state, and local governments.
According to Otti, disagreements may arise in the political space, but once decisions are taken within the democratic system, they must be respected. He cautioned against what he described as politically motivated narratives designed to create unnecessary tension, insisting that such positions often do not stand up to scrutiny.
A Delicate Political Balancing Act
Governor Otti’s statement is significant, given that he is one of the most prominent faces of the Labour Party, a party that has positioned itself as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His open acknowledgment of Tinubu’s re-election bid without opposition signals a pragmatic approach to governance that prioritizes state-federal collaboration over rigid partisanship.
Political observers note that Otti’s stance may not sit well with some of his party loyalists who had hoped for a more aggressive opposition posture. However, the governor appears to be charting his own course, focused on delivering dividends of democracy to Abia residents while maintaining a working relationship with the center.
Labour Party Is Back on Its Feet
On his political future and the state of the Labour Party, Otti reassured supporters that the party’s internal crisis had been laid to rest following a Supreme Court decision recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The party is back on its feet,” he declared, adding that preparations for congresses and a national convention are already underway.
The governor’s comments signal a renewed push to solidify the Labour Party’s structure ahead of future elections, even as he maintains a non-confrontational stance toward the presidency.
What This Means for 2027
Otti’s declaration effectively removes the Abia State Government from any coalition of opposition governors seeking to mount a united front against Tinubu’s re-election. Whether this stance earns him federal favor for his state or alienates him from opposition elements remains to be seen.
For now, the governor has drawn a clear line: he is focused on his own re-election and sees no wisdom in opposing another elected leader seeking the same mandate from voters.
