Abia Governor Alex Otti Plans Retirement From Politics After Tenure

Abia State’s chief executive, Governor Alex Otti, has made it clear he will not seek the presidency or any other elected position once his current term as governor concludes. Otti stated his intention to withdraw from political activities entirely after his governorship, emphasizing that he has no plans to contest for the Senate, local government chairmanship, or any other public office.

The governor revealed this during an interview with Arise TV on Friday. He was addressing inquiries regarding the presidential ambitions of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and whether he himself harbored future presidential aspirations. Otti clarified that there is no animosity between him and Obi, confirming that the former governor would be welcomed to campaign in Abia State should he choose to do so.

“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,” Otti remarked. He continued, “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.”

When pressed on whether he would consider a presidential bid if the opportunity arose in the future, Governor Otti reiterated his decision to retire from politics once his gubernatorial duties are fulfilled. “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,” he firmly 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 concluded.