Despite Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation being less than two years old, some politicians have already begun talks and subtle campaigns for the 2027 elections. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has strongly condemned this development, describing it as an attempt to “play God,” as no one is guaranteed tomorrow.
Governor Otti voiced his disapproval on Sunday during a meeting with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, and Senator Chris Adighije, a former representative of Abia Central. The visit was a gesture of goodwill to commend the Governor for his achievements in the state and to discuss governance-related issues.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti emphasized, “People in 2025 are talking of 2027… you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?” He added, “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion.”
Otti also reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding the President’s bold economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy. Describing the subsidy as a long-standing “scam,” the Governor commended Tinubu for taking a courageous step that ought to have been taken years ago.
“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends, and our friendship predates party politics and current positions. We agree on so many issues… what Mr. President is doing has always been my position for a long time,” he said.
Governor Otti pointed to his past columns in Thisday newspaper, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he advocated for the removal of fuel subsidies. “It requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy, and I am in support of it,” he stated, adding that while the current economic adjustments are tough, they are necessary to correct years of irresponsibility.
During the meeting, Otti also acknowledged Senator Kalu’s contributions during his tenure as Governor, particularly in road construction in Aba, which his administration has used as a template for development. “Government and Governance is a continuum; it can be broken, but you must go back and recover it,” Otti noted.
Senator Kalu, in turn, expressed his admiration for Governor Otti’s leadership, citing the rehabilitation of critical roads in the state that had been neglected for over 16 years. “You’re my friend for life; you are my brother for life… you have done well for our State. Thank you very much,” Kalu said.
Kalu also urged Otti to support President Tinubu while maintaining his party affiliation, emphasizing that the progress of the state and nation should come first. Similarly, Senator Adighije commended Otti’s performance, stating that his support for the Governor transcends partisan politics.
Both senators expressed confidence in Otti’s leadership and encouraged continued collaboration with the President to ensure the development of the state and the nation.