Otti: Uzodimma Speaks for Himself, Not South-East, on Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has rejected suggestions that the South-East has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, saying Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma expressed only his personal opinion and does not speak for the region.

Reacting to Uzodimma’s recent endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, Otti said no individual governor has the authority to commit the entire South-East or its people to any political position ahead of the next general election.

Speaking during an interview, the Abia governor stressed that while Uzodimma is free to support any candidate of his choice, such a declaration should not be interpreted as the collective position of the South-East.

“As a governor and as an individual, you can’t speak for everybody,” Otti said.

He maintained that decisions on who becomes Nigeria’s next president rest solely with the electorate, not with elected office holders making endorsements.

“I’m sure there are appropriate people who will take that decision,” he added, referring to Nigerians who will vote in the 2027 presidential election.

Otti also emphasised that cooperation between state governments and the Federal Government on policies and development initiatives should not be mistaken for political endorsement.

“This is a government, and a government sees all the work from the national to the sub-nationals, to the corporates. There are a lot of policies that are supported,” he said.

His remarks come amid increasing political realignments and public endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Uzodimma had recently declared support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, a move that has generated debate over whether individual political leaders can legitimately speak on behalf of their respective regions.

Otti’s response underscores the growing divergence of political views within the South-East as parties and key stakeholders begin positioning for the next presidential contest.