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| Photo Credit: Alex Otti — Anambra State Governor |
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has publicly stated that he will not seek the Nigerian presidency or any other elective office once his current tenure as governor ends. In a recent interview with Arise TV, Otti made clear that his political involvement will conclude with his governorship.
Responding to questions about potential future ambitions—including speculation linked to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s presidential interests—Otti said he intends to step away from active politics entirely. He ruled out contests for the Senate, local government chairmanship, the presidency, or any other political 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, no,” Otti stated. “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.”
Otti also addressed the question of political openness in Abia. He affirmed that candidates, including Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, would be free to campaign in the state. He emphasized there is no personal conflict with Obi.
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“Oh, absolutely. Anybody that wants to campaign in my state will be allowed. Peter Obi and I are not fighting. Just like there’s nobody I’m fighting. So if he wants to campaign in the state, he will be allowed to campaign. If any other person, even Atiku, if he wants to campaign, he will be allowed to campaign. So that is what democracy is about,” he said.
This stance aligns with earlier public comments from Otti in which he has repeatedly indicated a desire to leave elective politics after completing his mandate and to create space for younger leaders. He has previously rejected ideas of becoming a political godfather or controlling succession from outside office, stressing that successors should emerge on merit.
Otti, who assumed office as Abia governor, has framed his role as focused on delivering specific governance improvements rather than building a longer political career. His latest remarks come amid ongoing national discussions about 2027 and later electoral cycles, leadership transitions in the South-East, and the ambitions of various figures.
By clearly signaling an exit from the electoral arena after his term, Otti positions himself as prioritizing the completion of his current responsibilities over extended political activity. The full implications for Abia politics and any succession process will depend on developments closer to the end of his tenure.
(Optional short closing note for readers: This report is based on Otti’s statements in the Arise TV interview and prior public remarks. Political positions can evolve; readers are encouraged to follow primary sources for updates.)
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