Abia Governor Alex Otti explains why he supports Tinubu’s 2027 re-election despite being a Labour Party governor.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has explained why he supports President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Otti said his position comes from his role as a governor and member of the National Economic Council.
He made this known during an interview with Arise Television. The interview addressed his relationship with the Labour Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Otti said he was not in a position to oppose Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy. According to him, doing so while serving in government could create an “implosion”.
He also explained that supporting Tinubu’s administration differs from choosing a Labour Party presidential candidate. When asked if Tinubu was his Labour Party candidate, Otti replied,
“No, that’s not what I said.”
He confirmed that he was referring to a Labour Party candidate. However, when the interviewer asked if he supported Tinubu, Otti responded,
“What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?”
He stressed that governors are involved in major national decisions through the National Economic Council.
“I have to support him,” Otti said.
He added that political disagreements should be handled within government meetings. Otti said he would rather raise concerns privately than openly oppose the President.
“If I do have a problem with anything, I’ll sit down in one of our meetings and I’ll make my point,” he said.
He also praised some Tinubu policies that match his views. In particular, he mentioned fuel subsidy removal.
“The fuel subsidy was even unsustainable,” Otti said.
His comments add a fresh twist to the political conversation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election.
