- Abia Governor Alex Otti says he won’t oppose Tinubu if the president seeks APC ticket in 2027.
- He clarified that his focus is securing a second term as Abia governor.
- Otti directed political appointees eyeing 2027 offices to remain in office for now.
- The governor also revealed plans to convert the unfinished Government House project into a five-star hotel.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has stated that he would not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if the president decides to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election in 2027.
Governor Otti made the remark while responding to questions during his March monthly media chat, held on Friday night at the Government House in Umuahia.
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During the session, he addressed speculation regarding the 2027 general elections, particularly claims that he would not challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to the governor, he has no reason to oppose the president’s candidacy, noting that he is not contesting for the presidency but is instead focused on seeking a second term as governor of Abia State.
“I am not in a position to oppose President Tinubu’s candidacy. I have no basis to challenge his re-election, as I am not contesting for the presidency but seeking a second term as governor of Abia State,” Otti said.
He also clarified the situation regarding political appointees in his administration who may be interested in contesting elective positions in 2027.
Unlike some governors who have asked appointees with political ambitions to resign, Otti directed them to remain in office for now, adding that they would vacate their positions at the appropriate time in accordance with electoral rules.
“At the appropriate time, in line with the rules, interested political appointees will vacate office accordingly,” he explained.
Labour Party Situation in Abia
The governor also dismissed claims of a crisis within the Labour Party in Abia State, insisting that the party remains stable.
He noted that earlier disputes had already been resolved by the Supreme Court, and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has respected the ruling.
Otti added that the party is currently conducting membership registration ahead of ward, local government, and state congresses, which will eventually lead to a national convention.
Government House Project to Become Five-Star Hotel
Speaking on infrastructure plans, Otti revealed that his administration is considering converting a partially completed Government House project initiated by the previous administration into a five-star hotel.
According to him, the current Government House location remains suitable and is currently being rebuilt into a modern and befitting structure.
He explained that discussions are already ongoing with a major hotel chain to repurpose the abandoned structure at Ogwurube Layout into a hospitality facility.
“From all indications, there is no need to relocate the Government House. We are reconstructing a befitting structure here. The question now is what to do with the previous project. Our best approach is to convert it into a major hospitality project,” Otti said.
Housing, Education, and Investment Updates
Addressing the issue of rising house rents in the state, the governor attributed the trend to a gap between housing demand and supply.
He said his administration is currently developing housing estates to increase the availability of accommodation across the state.
Otti also highlighted recent developments at Abia State University, Uturu, where 10,255 students graduated during the institution’s 30th to 32nd convocation ceremonies.
He revealed that the government has already flagged off the reconstruction of 10,000-bed student hostels and plans to establish an international secondary school within the university.
Additionally, electricity has been restored to the university after decades of blackout, while plans are underway to install a 15-megawatt independent power solution for the institution.
Investments and Development Projects
The governor further disclosed that Presco Plc has committed a $200 million investment for palm plantation development across four locations in the state.
Abia has also been shortlisted for the second phase of a $350 million multi-state agricultural programme.
He added that a $35 million beverage plant has been commissioned in Aba, with plans to expand the facility with an additional $75 million investment.
Other ongoing projects include development at the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park in Ukwa, where a modular refinery is also being proposed.
Health and Security Updates
In the health sector, Otti revealed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated an MRI machine worth $1 million to the state.
He said 569 healthcare workers have already been recruited out of the approved 774 positions, while recruitment is still ongoing.
Additionally, 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure that every ward in the state has at least one functional health facility.
On security matters, the governor commended residents and security agencies for maintaining peace during a recent protest, which he said was handled professionally.
He also announced that 200 hectares of land have been approved for a Nigerian Air Force base at the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, which is being developed in partnership with the Federal Government.
Addressing tensions related to alleged herdsmen activities, Otti urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands, while assuring that criminal activities such as destruction of farmlands would not be tolerated.
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