Abia State Governor Alex Otti has vowed to step away from politics entirely upon completing his governorship, dismissing speculation about pursuing higher offices like the presidency or a senatorial seat.
The declaration came during a Friday address at the Government House in Umuahia, prompted by a circulating online video that questioned his motives for visiting detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu and suggested ulterior political ambitions.
Otti, who assumed office in 2023 under the Labour Party banner, emphasized his entry into politics was mission-oriented and not a lifelong pursuit.
“One of the things he talked about was my ambition after being governor, and I have said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I am done with governorship, I will retire,” Otti stated.
He added: “So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.”
The governor expressed bewilderment over references to an “Igbo presidency” in the criticism, asserting: “I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So he was talking of the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means. So I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.”
Otti acknowledged the value of diverse viewpoints in a democracy, noting: “In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right.”
No immediate responses from political opponents or allies were reported following the announcement.
