I won’t be a godfather; Abia voters will pick my successor — Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has declared his intent to step down as governor in 2031 and assured that the next governor will be chosen by voters. At a recent meeting with Dr Ngozika Gladys Johnson-Chukwunenye, the Social Democratic Party's 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Otti emphasized that he does not wish to act as a political godfather.

He expressed a desire for the succession process to be merit-based and for younger, more qualified individuals to step up. The governor also criticized the "sit-tight syndrome" and highlighted his efforts to improve infrastructure and address issues such as salary arrears, pension payments, and road rehabilitation in Abia. Johnson-Chukwunenye, who previously ran for governor on the SDP ticket, joined the Labour Party to support Otti's campaign, citing the administration's positive impact on the state.