Abia Governor Otti not opposed to Tinubu's second-term bid

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has addressed claims that South-East governors collectively support President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term in 2027. Otti clarified that while he respects President Tinubu's constitutional right to seek re-election, the ultimate decision lies with the Nigerian voters.

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Am I against the President running for a second term? Absolutely no. He has a right to run for a second term, and others who also want to run have a right to run.

His statement comes in response to Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South-East Governors' Forum, who suggested that all five governors in the region had agreed to back Tinubu's re-election. Uzodimma cited ongoing federal projects in the South-East as a reason for this alleged consensus.

Otti, a member of the Labour Party, stated that while individual political actors are entitled to their views, Uzodimma cannot speak for everyone. He noted that it is too early to definitively discuss the 2027 elections. "He has a right to run for a second term, just as others who wish to contest have the right to do so. At the end of the day, it is the ballot box that will determine what happens," Otti remarked.

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At the end of the day, it is the ballot box that will determine what happens.

Furthermore, Governor Otti expressed his support for certain economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy. He has consistently argued against fuel subsidies, viewing them as a promoter of corruption and an unsustainable economic policy. "Subsidising consumption is not the way to go," Otti declared, aligning with the administration's reform agenda.

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Subsidising consumption is not the way to go.