Governor Alex Otti of Abia State must answer a simple question that many Abians are asking: Who is he supporting for president?
Is it Peter Obi, whose political movement helped transform the Labour Party into a formidable force in 2023? Or President Bola Tinubu, who leads the Federal Government? Or another candidate? Many supporters say they deserve clarity on his preferred presidential candidate.
Otti’s continued silence on the matter has raised questions among observers. In my view, it creates room for speculation about whether this is political independence or a familiar strategy in Nigerian politics of managing competing political interests.
This is what, in my opinion, many Nigerians describe as two-faced politics: maintaining goodwill with a movement that delivers electoral support while also maintaining flexibility with the establishment that controls political access.
Otti may reject that characterisation, and he is entitled to do so. However, in my view, prolonged ambiguity makes it harder to dismiss such perceptions.
One Movement, Two Political Realities
Otti did not emerge as governor in a political vacuum. His personal appeal and campaign efforts mattered, but in my opinion, Peter Obi’s 2023 movement helped create a political atmosphere that benefited Labour Party candidates across the South East, with voters rallying around a promise of political renewal.
He is entitled to his mandate, but the political context of his victory remains part of public discussion. The question, in my view, is simple: if Otti has decided that another presidential candidate deserves his support, why not openly explain that decision? If Obi remains his preferred candidate, why the hesitation? If he supports another candidate, why not make the case?
The Politics of Having It Both Ways
In my opinion, the apparent attraction of remaining publicly noncommittal is that it avoids alienating Obi’s supporters while maintaining political flexibility with the Federal Government. That may appear clever in the short term. In the long term, it risks, in my view, being perceived as political double-dealing.
A governor can maintain cordial relations with the president while supporting an opposition candidate. Federal cooperation and presidential endorsement are two different things.
Indecision Is Not Statesmanship
There is a difference, in my view, between a leader who carefully evaluates his options and one who appears reluctant to take a position.
Indecision has consequences. In my opinion, it can erode trust, invite speculation and leave supporters wondering about consistency.
These are risks and perceptions, not proof of Otti’s intentions, but they are risks his continued ambiguity may invite.
What Do His Appointees’ Political Activities Mean?
There have been unverified reports that some serving members of Otti’s administration have allegedly joined President Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council. If these unverified reports are accurate, it would be helpful for the governor to clarify whether their participation reflects personal choices or a broader political understanding. Their activities do not automatically establish Otti’s endorsement, but the public deserves a clear explanation.
What Alex Otti Owes Abians
In my view, Alex Otti owes Peter Obi no blind loyalty, but he owes the public clarity about his political choices. If his political convictions have changed, he should explain why. If he believes Tinubu offers a better future, he should defend that position. If he supports Obi, he should say so. If he remains undecided, he should admit it.
In my opinion, a politician cannot indefinitely face both directions and still expect everyone to believe he knows where he is going. Nigeria has had enough of politicians who speak the language of change when seeking power and become ambiguous when asked to demonstrate their convictions.
Alex Otti should, in my view, tell the people of Abia State where he stands.
Livinus Agwu Obinna is a political analyst and writes from Umuahia and can be reached via livinusobinna68@gmail.com
OPINION: Why Governor Otti Should Clarify His Presidential Preference ~ By Livinus Agwu Obinna
