According to a report by Punch on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has stated that he does not intend to become a political godfather after leaving office, adding that the person who succeeds him in 2031 should be chosen by the people of the state.
Otti made the remarks at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Umuahia during the formal reception of Dr Ngozika Gladys Johnson-Chukwunenye, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, who recently joined the Labour Party.
The governor explained that he had no plans to seek another elective position after completing his tenure as governor. He specifically ruled out pursuing a Senate seat or any other political office after leaving Government House.
Otti said his intention was to complete his second term, which could run until 2031, and subsequently withdraw from active politics. He explained that he wanted younger people to have the opportunity to assume leadership positions and contribute to the development of Abia State.
He also rejected the idea of remaining influential in the state’s political affairs by determining who would succeed him. According to him, the choice of the next governor should be left to Abia voters rather than being controlled by a single political figure.
His comments came as the Labour Party welcomed Johnson-Chukwunenye, who previously contested the 2023 governorship election under the Social Democratic Party. Her formal reception brought party members and supporters together at the party secretariat in Umuahia.
During the event, Otti used the occasion to clarify his political ambitions and explain his position on succession. He maintained that his objective was to serve out the period permitted by law and then create room for a new generation of leaders.
The governor said he was satisfied with the opportunity to serve as Abia governor and did not see the need to pursue another political position after completing his tenure.
He stated, “I am not interested in any other thing. I don’t even want to go to Senate. I am not interested. Once I finish this one, I will retire. Why do I say so? I want the young people to take over.”
Otti’s position places emphasis on allowing voters to determine the state’s future leadership while discouraging continued political control by former officeholders. His comments come amid increasing political activity in Abia as political actors position themselves ahead of future elections.
Having emerged as governor after the 2023 election, Otti is currently serving his first term. If he secures a second term, his tenure could extend to 2031, after which he says he intends to leave active politics and allow younger leaders to take responsibility.
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