Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said Governor Hope Uzodinma cannot speak for all South-East governors on President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, insisting that Nigerians will decide who becomes president through the ballot.
Otti made the statement during the July 2026 edition of his monthly media chat, Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, while reacting to Uzodinma’s claim that South-East governors had agreed to support Tinubu’s second-term bid because of infrastructure projects executed in the region.
He said Uzodinma was entitled to his personal opinion but could not speak on behalf of every governor in the South-East.
The governor also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, noting that the party would present its own presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election.
Otti said he was not opposed to President Tinubu seeking re-election, stressing that the President has a constitutional right to contest, just like every other qualified Nigerian.
According to him, democracy allows all eligible candidates to contest elective offices, while the electorate remains the ultimate decision-maker.
The Abia governor also reiterated his support for the removal of petrol subsidy, describing fuel subsidy as a policy that encourages corruption and is not sustainable.
He further disclosed that South-East states, alongside some South-South states, are discussing plans to develop a regional railway network to improve connectivity and economic integration across the region.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) criticised South-East governors for attributing development projects in their states to President Tinubu, describing the practice as unnecessary sycophancy.
In a statement signed by its President, Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi, and Secretary, Professor Jerry Chukwuokolo, the group said governors should take responsibility for projects executed under their administrations instead of crediting the President for every achievement.
The group also rejected claims that the current administration has done more for the South-East than previous governments, insisting such narratives were misleading.
The ILT further expressed concern over what it described as the suppression of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that shrinking the political space could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
It also cited concerns raised by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi over his safety and alleged frustrations affecting his businesses, while condemning actions it believes are aimed at weakening opposition parties.
The group warned that Nigeria must avoid repeating the political crises that led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics, urging political leaders to uphold democratic principles and ensure free and fair elections in 2027.