2027: Alex Otti Respects Tinubu’s Right to Re-election, Says Aide

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has no plans to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 because he believes every eligible Nigerian has a constitutional right to seek elective office, according to the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa.

In a statement titled “2027: Why Otti Won’t Stand Against Tinubu’s Re-election”, Uzoukwa said the governor’s recent comments on President Tinubu’s second-term ambition have been misinterpreted by some political observers.

The aide explained that Otti’s position, expressed during the July edition of Governor Otti Speaks to Abians, was not a political endorsement but a reaffirmation of democratic principles, constitutional rights and respect for the rule of law.

According to Uzoukwa, Governor Otti made it clear that President Tinubu, like every incumbent, is entitled under the Constitution to seek another mandate from Nigerians.

“I am not against President Tinubu’s second-term ambition. It is his right to seek re-election,” Otti had stated.

The governor also reiterated his longstanding support for key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market. Uzoukwa noted that Otti had publicly advocated both policies in newspaper articles published between 2016 and 2022, long before assuming office as governor.

The statement argued that Otti’s backing of those reforms demonstrates consistency and shows that his policy positions are guided by conviction rather than partisan interests.

Uzoukwa further maintained that the Abia governor believes governance should be driven by cooperation among the federal, state and local governments instead of political confrontation. He said this philosophy explains Otti’s working relationship with the Federal Government on projects aimed at improving the lives of Abia residents.

The aide stressed that recognising Tinubu’s constitutional right to contest another election should not be interpreted as an endorsement of his re-election bid. Rather, he said, it reflects respect for democratic institutions and the electoral process.

He also emphasised that the decision on whether President Tinubu secures another term rests solely with Nigerian voters, just as the people of Abia State will determine whether Governor Otti deserves re-election.

Uzoukwa concluded that Otti remains committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and good governance, insisting that the governor’s comments reflected a statesmanlike belief that political power ultimately belongs to the electorate.