Why Uzodimma can’t speak for every S/East gov on Tinubu’s re-election, by Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has clarified his stance on President Bola Tinubu's potential second-term bid, asserting that while he respects the President's constitutional right to seek re-election, the ultimate decision lies with the Nigerian electorate. Otti, a member of the Labour Party, issued this clarification in response to statements made by Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South-East Governors' Forum.

Uzodimma had previously claimed that all five South-East governors had resolved to support Tinubu's re-election, attributing this alleged consensus to ongoing federal projects in the region, such as road construction and the establishment of the South-East Development Commission. However, Otti expressed uncertainty about hearing such a collective decision and stated that while it is Uzodimma's right to express his personal political views, he cannot speak for all the governors.

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I am not sure I heard that, but if Governor Hope Uzodimma said so, it is his right as a governor and as an individual. I’m sure that at the appropriate time, people will take their decision. He cannot speak for everybody.

"I'm not sure I heard that, but if Governor Hope Uzodimma said so, it is his right as a governor and as an individual. I’m sure that at the appropriate time, people will take their decision. He cannot speak for everybody," Otti remarked. He also noted that it was still early to definitively discuss the 2027 elections. Otti stressed that governance flows from the national level down to local governments, implying a broader context for political decisions.

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But let us also be clear that this is a government and governance flows from the national level through the sub-national levels to the local governments.