Abia State Governor Alex Otti says he will not oppose President Bola Tinubu if he seeks re-election in 2027.
Governor Otti spoke on Friday during his monthly media chat at the Government House in Umuahia while responding to questions on the next general election.
He said he has no basis to challenge President Tinubu’s bid since he is not contesting for the presidency but plans to seek a second term as governor.
“I am not in a position to oppose the candidacy of the President. I am not running for President. Why would I oppose his presidency? I am also seeking a second term,” he said.
He added that decisions in government require cooperation across levels and that once a position is agreed, it should be followed.
On political appointees, the governor said those interested in contesting in 2027 should remain in office for now. He said they would step down at the appropriate time in line with the rules.
Otti also said there is no crisis in the Labour Party in Abia State.
He noted that the Supreme Court has resolved earlier disputes and that the Independent National Electoral Commission has acted on the judgment.
According to him, the party is carrying out membership registration ahead of ward, local government and state congresses, leading to a national convention. He said the issue of defection does not arise.
The governor said his administration plans to convert the uncompleted Government House project started by the previous administration into a hotel.
He said the current Government House location will remain in use and is being rebuilt, while discussions are ongoing with a hotel chain on the abandoned project.
On housing, he said rising rents are due to demand and supply gaps, adding that the government is working on housing projects to increase supply.
Otti said 10,255 students graduated during the 30th to 32nd convocation of Abia State University, Uturu.
He added that the government has started the reconstruction of 10,000-bed hostels and plans an international secondary school, while electricity has been restored to the university. He said a 15-megawatt power solution is also planned.
He said the state has secured a $200 million investment from Presco Plc for palm plantation development and is being considered for the second phase of a $350 million agricultural programme.
The governor also said a $35 million beverage plant has been commissioned in Aba, with plans for further expansion. He added that work is ongoing at the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park in Ukwa, including a proposed modular refinery.
He said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated an MRI machine valued at $1 million to the state.
Alex Otti said 569 healthcare workers have been recruited out of an approved 774, while recruitment is ongoing. He added that 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
He commended residents and security agencies for maintaining order during a recent protest.
The governor said 200 hectares of land have been approved for a Nigerian Air Force base at the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, being developed with the Federal Government.
On reported tensions involving herders, he urged residents to remain law-abiding and said criminal acts, including destruction of farms, will not be accepted.
