Abia State Governor Alex Otti has distanced himself from claims that South-east governors have unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, insisting that the decision on who becomes Nigeria’s next president rests solely with the electorate.
Speaking during the July 2026 edition of his monthly media briefing, Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, Otti said Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma was entitled to express his personal opinion but could not speak on behalf of all governors in the South-east.
His comments followed reports that Uzodinma announced that governors in the region had resolved to back Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing ongoing federal projects such as road construction, railway development and the establishment of the South East Development Commission.
Responding to the claim, Otti emphasized that every governor has the right to hold personal political views, but maintained that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would be determined by Nigerians through the ballot.
The Abia governor also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, noting that the party would field its own presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the next general election.
He added that supporting his party’s candidates was consistent with his political affiliation while stressing that President Tinubu, like any other qualified Nigerian, has the constitutional right to seek re-election.
According to Otti, democracy guarantees equal opportunity for all eligible candidates to contest elections, while voters remain the ultimate arbiters of political power.
The governor also reiterated his support for some of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy. He argued that subsidizing fuel consumption encourages corruption and is not a sustainable economic policy.
On regional development, Otti disclosed that South-east governors, alongside some South-south states, were exploring plans to establish an integrated railway network aimed at improving transportation, regional connectivity and economic growth. He explained that Abia State had suspended its proposed light rail project to focus on a broader regional rail initiative.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) criticized South-east governors for what it described as excessive praise of President Tinubu over projects executed in the region.
In a statement signed by its President, Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi, and Secretary, Professor Jerry Chukwuokolo, the group accused some governors of attributing virtually every developmental project in their states to the President in a bid to gain political favor.
The ILT argued that elected governors should take responsibility for delivering development rather than crediting the Federal Government for projects executed under their administrations.
The group also rejected claims that the current administration had done more for the South-east than previous governments, describing such assertions as misleading.
Beyond regional issues, the ILT expressed concern over what it called growing pressure on opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general election. It warned that actions capable of shrinking the democratic space could undermine political stability and threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
The group cited concerns raised by opposition figures over alleged intimidation and legal disputes affecting political parties, urging authorities to uphold democratic principles and ensure a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process.
Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s political history, the ILT cautioned against actions that could trigger political unrest, recalling past crises that preceded military interventions and post-election violence. It urged political leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
