RismadarVoice Reporters
September 25, 2026
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out contesting for president or any other elective office after completing his tenure, saying he intends to retire from active politics.
Otti made the declaration during an interview on Friday while responding to questions about his political future and his relationship with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
The governor said he had no disagreement with Obi and would not prevent him or other political figures from campaigning in Abia State.
“Peter Obi and I are not fighting. Just like there’s nobody I’m fighting,” Otti said.
He added that other politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, would also be allowed to campaign in the state, describing unrestricted political participation as part of the democratic process.
Asked whether he could consider contesting for president after leaving office, Otti said he had already decided that his current assignment would be his last elective position.
“I had said just a few days ago that by the time I’m done with this, I’ll retire. So I’m not going to run for any other thing, not local government chairman, not Senate, not president,” he said.
Otti described his current role as a mission he intends to complete before withdrawing from elective politics.
“I think I came to deliver a calling, and that is what I’m doing now. Once I finish it, I’ll retire. And I’m not getting any younger anymore,” he added.
The governor has made similar remarks about his political future in recent months, including ruling out a Senate bid.
He has also said he does not intend to become a political godfather or impose a successor, maintaining that Abia’s next governor should emerge based on suitability and merit.
