Otti: I Have No Basis to Oppose Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said he is not in a position to oppose the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, stressing that his focus remains governance in Abia State.

Governor Otti made the remark on Friday during his monthly media chat held at the Government House, Umuahia, where he addressed questions on national politics, party affairs, and governance issues in the state.

“I am not in a position to oppose President Tinubu’s candidacy. I have no basis to challenge his re-election, as I am not contesting for the presidency but seeking a second term as governor of Abia State,” he said.

Otti, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), also dismissed reports suggesting an internal crisis within the party in Abia State, insisting that all disputes had been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court.

On the status of political appointees interested in elective offices ahead of the next general elections, the governor stated that those affected would be required to resign at the appropriate time in line with electoral guidelines.

“At the appropriate time, in line with the rules, interested political appointees will vacate office accordingly,” he added.

His comments come amid heightened political realignments and defections involving governors and key political actors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.

Reports indicate that several governors and federal lawmakers have defected to the APC in the last two and a half years, with recent political movements further increasing the party’s numerical strength across the country.

However, former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the wave of defections as being driven by political pressure rather than genuine popularity.

Atiku argued that the trend should not be interpreted as an indication of electoral strength, insisting that the ruling party would still face significant challenges in the 2027 elections.