ABIA State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his long-standing stance that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure as governor, insisting he has no plans to contest for the presidency, vice-presidency, or Senate.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia, in response to a viral video in which he was criticized over his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The video suggested that his visit indicated presidential or vice-presidential ambitions.

He said, “In a democracy, everyone is free to hold opinions, but a difference of opinion does not necessarily mean someone is right. I have stated before, and I say again, that after my governorship, I will retire. I have no presidential, vice-presidential, or senatorial ambitions. I came on a mission, and when that mission is fulfilled, I will give way for younger leaders.”

On the notion of an Igbo presidency, Otti dismissed it, saying, “I do not even understand what that means. So if anyone’s assumption is based on that, it has collapsed because they will not see me on the ballot.”

The governor also emphasized the importance of knowing when to leave political office, adding, “When you have done what you were elected to do, you must take the exit door and give way to others. We have seen past governors who returned to become local government chairmen—that is not our purpose.”

On his visit to Kanu, Otti explained, “Exactly 24 months ago, I opened discussions at the highest level regarding Nnamdi Kanu. Visiting him was necessary as he comes from my state, Umuahia North. There are different ways to resolve problems, and ignoring them is not a solution. Two wrongs do not make a right.”

He stressed the balance between legal processes and administrative interventions, stating, “I am not a lawyer, but even if someone has been sentenced to life imprisonment, there are avenues for appeal, up to the Supreme Court. We aim to intervene for peace, not political gain. My position is that it would be insensitive to ignore opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation.”

Governor Otti concluded, “This has nothing to do with non-existent presidential ambitions. Everything is not politics.”