Otti: I Won’t Become Political Godfather After Leaving Office

Otti: I Won’t Become Political Godfather After Leaving Office

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said he will not become a political godfather or impose a successor on the state after completing his second term in 2031.

Otti spoke in Umuahia on Thursday while receiving former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate Ngozi Johnson-Chukwunenye and her supporters into the Labour Party.

The governor said he would prefer a successor to emerge based on merit and competence rather than what he described as a “sit-tight” approach to political leadership.

“I don’t want to be a godfather, and I don’t tolerate godfathers” Otti said, adding that political stakeholders should consider those capable of doing the job before supporting a candidate.

He also reiterated that he does not plan to seek another elective position after his second term, saying younger people should be given opportunities to take up leadership roles.

Otti Highlights Youth Leadership Programme

The governor said his administration was already preparing young people for future leadership through initiatives such as the Abia Leadership Academy.

According to him, more than 1,080 people aged between 16 and 25 had recently graduated from the academy.

Otti said the programme was intended to help prepare a new generation of leaders rather than encourage prolonged political control by individuals.

Meanwhile, he said his administration would continue extending its development projects beyond Aba and Umuahia into other parts of the state.

He said the government initially focused on the two major cities before moving into the hinterland with additional projects.

Otti: I Won’t Become Political Godfather After Leaving Office