Abia State Governor Alex Otti has clarified his position on President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid, saying he is not in a position to oppose the President while serving as a governor and member of the National Economic Council.
Otti made the clarification during an interview with Arise Television after he was asked about his support for Tinubu despite remaining a member of the Labour Party.
The governor said Tinubu has the right to contest the 2027 election, but stressed that his support does not mean he has adopted the President as his Labour Party candidate.
He said:
“He (Tinubu) has the right to run and nobody can stop him. But I’m in the Labour Party and for now, he has my support.”
Otti had earlier stated during the interview that he had a presidential candidate in the Labour Party. When the interviewer suggested that Tinubu was the candidate, he replied, “No, that’s not what I said.”
Asked whether he meant a Labour Party presidential candidate, Otti responded, “Yes.”
When pressed on whether he was supporting Tinubu, the Abia governor said, “What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?”
He explained that, as a governor and NEC member, he participates in discussions and decisions concerning Federal Government policies.
“When somebody now says, ‘Oh, you are supporting or you’re not,’ I have to support him,” he said.
Otti also said he prefers to raise disagreements during government meetings rather than openly oppose the President, adding, “So I’m not going to oppose his candidacy.”
The governor further said some of Tinubu’s policies resonate with his views, citing the removal of the fuel subsidy as an example.
“Quite frankly, there are a lot of things that we have talked about now, that he has implemented, that resonate with me and my thinking,” Otti said.
Social Media Reactions
Okoro Udochukwu: Otti didn’t say this..I think we should watch the interview with Ojy of Arise..
Ukandu Kelechi Kingsley: He said his party has a presidential candidate sir
Aj Raphael: My guy dey protect e position 😂
Solomon Ubong Udoh: Marry and prison na the Same thing
Na Just uniform Different
KinG Otentic: Okay E better as u talk am make he no fight remove u
Abuja Report: He has the right to run, we equally have the right to vote him out.
Corresponding rights
Darlynton Obumneme: A political statement sir
Chigozie Chukwudebelu Network: The good governor has only one vote. That’s his fundamental human right anyway.
Abdullahi Israel: Who dy purse am?
Lenza Bubu: wisdom
Lucas Daniel: Mr or Mrs poster…..that’s not what the governor talk ohhh
Just open ur mouth wwhhhhhaaaaa
