Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that he will retire from active politics once he completes his tenure. Speaking Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti dismissed rumors that he is seeking higher office, including the presidency or a seat in the Senate.
The Governor’s statement was a response to a viral video criticizing his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The critic alleged that the visit was a strategic move to build political capital for a future presidential run.
Addressing the speculation, Otti defended the right to free speech while clarifying his stance:
“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.”
He was emphatic about his lack of interest in remaining in the political spotlight after his time as governor ends:
“By the time I am done with governorship, I will retire. So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.”
Governor Otti explained that his entry into politics was mission-driven and that he intends to pave the way for a new generation once his work is complete:
“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… the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.”
Otti concluded by noting that he believes leaders should know when to take the “exit door” rather than jumping from one political office to another.
