Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his long-standing decision to retire from active politics at the end of his tenure, dismissing claims that he harbours presidential, vice-presidential, or senatorial ambitions.
The governor made the clarification while reacting to a viral video in which an individual criticised his recent visit to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, alleging that the move was politically motivated and linked to future national ambitions.
Speaking through a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the allegation as baseless, stressing that divergent opinions are a normal feature of democracy.
“Divergence of opinion is part of democracy. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that does not make every opinion right,” the governor said.
Otti reiterated that he has consistently stated his intention to leave politics after completing his mandate as governor.
“One of the issues raised was my ambition after governorship. I have said it before and I will say it again: once I am done with my tenure, I will retire from politics. “I have no presidential ambition, no vice-presidential ambition, and I will not seek a senatorial seat after leaving office,” he said.
According to the governor, his administration is driven by a defined mission rather than personal political advancement.
“I came on a mission, and once I complete that mission, I will give way for younger people. That talk about an Igbo presidency does not even apply to me. I don’t understand it in that context.
“If the argument is based on the assumption that I will be on the ballot in the future, then that assumption has collapsed, because you won’t see my name there,” Otti stated.
The governor further noted that public office holders must know when to exit after fulfilling their responsibilities, warning against what he described as the culture of perpetual political recycling.
“When you have done what you were asked to do, you should exit and allow others to serve. We have seen people who, after being governor, returned to contest as local government chairmen. That is not why we are here,” he added.
Otti also used the opportunity to explain the rationale behind his visit to Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the move was driven by a desire for peace rather than political calculation.
He disclosed that discussions on Kanu’s situation began at the highest levels of government about 24 months ago, adding that engaging rather than ignoring the issue was necessary.
“Going to see him was the right thing to do. He is from my state, and from this local government area. There are different ways to solve problems, and ignoring them is not one of them,” he said.
The governor recalled that he had previously condemned Operation Python Dance and maintained that position, while distancing himself from allegations attributed to Kanu in circulating recordings.
“I cannot vouch for some of the statements attributed to him, including claims about calls for mutiny. But I do know that two wrongs do not make a right,” Otti said.
He further explained that beyond the legal process, there exists an administrative pathway for resolving sensitive national issues.
“Even when a matter is before the courts, it does not foreclose dialogue. Convictions can be appealed, and even death sentences can be pardoned,” he said.
Otti emphasised that he does not support the disintegration of Nigeria, noting that his intervention is aimed at peace-building.
“It would be insensitive for me to sit back and watch one of our own perish when there is room for discussion, negotiation, and peace. What I am doing has nothing to do with any ambition. Everything is not politics,” the governor concluded.