“I’ll quit politics after my tenure” – Alex Otti
The Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said he will retire from active politics after completing his current tenure.
No Ambition for Higher Office
Speaking on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti emphasized that he has no plans to contest for the presidency, vice-presidency, or senatorial seat after his governorship.
Reacting to Viral Video
The governor made the statement in response to a viral video in which an individual criticized his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, alleging that Otti might be harboring ambitions for higher political office.
Respecting Opinions, But Clarifying Position
Addressing the issue, Otti acknowledged that democracy allows for diverse opinions, but stressed that having a different view does not automatically make one correct.
“In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right,” the governor said.
No Presidential or Senatorial Ambitions
Otti reiterated his commitment to step down after his tenure, stressing that he has no interest in running for any other political office.
“One of the things he talked about was my ambition after being governor, and I have said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I am done with governorship, I will retire. So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship,” Otti added.
Mission-Driven Leadership
The governor explained that his focus is on delivering his mission as governor and leaving space for younger leaders to take over.
“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So he was talking of the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means. So I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot,” the governor stated.
