By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has stated that he is not opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking a second term in office, stressing that the decision on who leads Nigeria ultimately rests with the electorate.
Governor Otti made the remarks during the July edition of his monthly interactive media programme, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held in Umuahia, where he addressed a wide range of political, economic and developmental issues.
Speaking on the 2027 general election, Otti distanced himself from comments credited to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, suggesting that South-East governors had resolved to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to Otti, Governor Uzodinma was expressing his personal opinion and was not speaking on behalf of all governors in the region. He maintained that he was unaware of any collective resolution by South-East governors to endorse the President’s second-term ambition.
“Everyone is entitled to freedom of expression in a democracy. It is Governor Uzodinma’s right to support President Tinubu if he chooses,” Otti said.
The Abia governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, noting that the party has its own presidential and vice-presidential candidates who are expected to contest the 2027 election.
“I am not against the President running for a second term, but it depends on the people. Others also have the constitutional right to contest. The Labour Party has its own presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and that does not mean we should quarrel with everyone else,” he stated.
Governor Otti added that discussions about the 2027 elections should be left until the appropriate time, emphasising that his immediate priority remains governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Abia State.
On the economy, Otti reiterated his support for several of the Federal Government’s difficult economic reforms, saying they are gradually positioning Nigeria on a path towards long-term economic recovery and growth.
The governor also disclosed that South-East governors, alongside some of their South-South counterparts, are collaborating on regional rail transportation and industrialisation initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic development.
He revealed that a Chinese engineering firm had completed a feasibility study on a proposed rail connection linking Aba to the Port Harcourt–Enugu–Makurdi rail corridor. However, the study recommended expanding the project to include Owerri in Imo State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State for greater regional impact.
According to Otti, improvements in infrastructure and security have continued to attract local and international investors to Abia State. He highlighted ongoing investments in pharmaceuticals, compressed natural gas (CNG), solar energy and other alternative energy projects as indicators of the state’s growing industrial potential.
On water supply, the governor assured residents that the rehabilitation of major water schemes in CKC and Ariaria, Aba, as well as Ubakala and Arochukwu, is nearing completion.
He explained that the projects experienced delays because many of the ageing facilities, some installed in the 1970s, required extensive replacement rather than simple repairs.
“Water is essential to life. We will soon commission the water schemes in CKC, Aba, and Ubakala, Umuahia. We are taking things one step at a time, and water remains one of our top priorities,” Otti said.
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The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life for Abia residents while maintaining focus on sustainable economic development.
