By RismadarVoice Media
December 20, 2025
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has restated his long-held position that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure as governor, insisting that he harbours no ambition to contest the presidency, vice-presidency, or the Senate.
The Governor made this known on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia, while responding to a viral video in which a critic accused him of nursing higher political ambitions, following his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Reacting to the claims, Otti said differing opinions are a hallmark of democracy, however stressed that opinions are not always correct.
“That is the beauty of democracy. People are entitled to their opinions, and we respect them. But the fact that you hold an opinion does not necessarily mean you are right,” he said.
Addressing the allegation directly, the Governor reiterated his stance:
“I have said it before, and I want to say it again: by the time I am done with governorship, I will retire. I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition after my tenure.”
Otti explained that his mission in public office is time-bound, purpose-driven.
“I came on a mission, when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So if anyone’s argument is based on an assumption of future ambition, that assumption has collapsed. You will not see me on the ballot,” he stated.
He added that leaders must know when to exit public office, noting that clinging to power after fulfilling one’s mandate undermines democratic values.
“When you have done what you were asked to do, you must take the exit door and allow others to contribute. That is what leadership demands,” Otti said.
The Governor also explained the rationale behind his visit to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that the visit was driven by responsibility and the pursuit of peace, not politics.
According to him, discussions on Kanu’s situation began 24 months ago at the highest levels, and engaging him remains the right course of action.
“He is from my state – Umuahia North Local Government Area, the state capital. Ignoring the problem will not solve it. There are different ways to resolve conflicts,” Otti added.
He recalled condemning Operation Python Dance in previous writings, maintained that injustice cannot be corrected with further injustice.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. I cannot vouch for some of the claims circulating online, but I know that dialogue and negotiation remain essential,” he noted.
While acknowledging the role of the judiciary, Otti emphasized that administrative and political interventions also exist.
“Even convictions are not always the end of the road. There are appeals, and even the possibility of pardon. I am not in support of Nigeria’s disintegration, but it would be insensitive to ignore opportunities for peace,” he said.
The Governor concluded by stressing that his actions have nothing to do with political ambition.
“Everything is not politics. What I am working towards is peace,” Otti said.
