Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared that he will not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seeks re-election in 2027, stating clearly that he has no grounds to challenge the President’s ambition.
Speaking during his March media chat at the
Government House in Umuahia, Otti explained that his political focus remains on securing a second term as governor, not contesting for the presidency.
“I am not in a position to oppose President Tinubu’s candidacy. I have no basis to challenge his re-election, as I am not contesting for the presidency but seeking a second term as governor of Abia State. At the appropriate time, in line with the rules, interested political appointees will vacate office accordingly,” he said.
The governor also addressed concerns over why his appointees have not been asked to resign ahead of the 2027 elections.
He clarified that such decisions would be taken at the appropriate time, in line with laid-down guidelines.
On party matters, Otti dismissed claims of internal crisis within the Labour Party in Abia, noting that earlier disputes had already been settled by the Supreme Court.
He added that the party is currently focused on membership registration and preparations for congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, leading to a national convention.
In terms of infrastructure, the governor revealed plans to convert a partially completed Government House project inherited from the previous administration into a five-star hotel.
According to him, the current Government House location remains suitable and is being rebuilt into a modern facility, while discussions are ongoing with a major hospitality brand to repurpose the abandoned structure.
“From all indications, there is no need to relocate the Government House. We are reconstructing a befitting structure here. The question now is what to do with the previous project. Our best approach is to convert it into a major hospitality project,” Otti said.
Addressing rising house rents, the governor attributed the trend to a gap between demand and supply, revealing that his administration is developing new housing estates to ease the pressure.
He also highlighted major strides in education, including the recent convocation at Abia State University, Uturu, where over 10,000 students graduated.
Otti disclosed that work has commenced on a 10,000-bed hostel project, alongside plans for an international secondary school.
He further noted that electricity has been restored to the university after years of blackout, with a 15-megawatt independent power project in the pipeline.
On economic development, the governor announced that Abia has secured a $200 million investment from Presco Plc for palm plantation development and is also being considered for a $350 million multi-state agricultural programme.
He added that a $35 million beverage plant has been commissioned in Aba, with expansion plans worth $75 million already underway.
Otti also disclosed progress in the health sector, including the recruitment of hundreds of healthcare workers and the upgrade of 227 primary healthcare centres to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
He further revealed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated an MRI machine valued at $1 million to the state.
On security, the governor commended residents and security agencies for maintaining peace during a recent protest, assuring that his administration would continue to uphold law and order.
He also confirmed that 200 hectares of land have been approved for a Nigerian Air Force base at the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, which is being developed in partnership with the Federal Government.
Addressing concerns over herdsmen-related tensions, Otti urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands, warning that criminal activities, including destruction of farmlands, would not be tolerated.
