Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out a move to the Senate or any other political office, saying he will retire from active politics once his tenure ends. "I keep saying it, I'm not interested in anything else. I don't even want to go to the Senate. I'm not interested. Once I finish this one, I will retire," Otti said.
The governor said he wants younger Nigerians to take over leadership roles. He said he does not intend to become a political godfather after leaving office. "I don't want to be a godfather. I want to finish what I'm doing and leave," he said.
Otti was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party. He defeated Okey Ahiwe of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other contenders in the governorship election. Before entering politics, Otti had a career in banking. He served as the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank before the bank's merger with Access Bank.
Since taking office in 2023, his administration has focused on infrastructure, public sector reforms and improving services in Abia State. His current tenure is expected to end in 2027, after which he said he intends to step away from active politics.
The governor's comments on his political future come as he continues to distance himself from the kind of extended political influence that is common among Nigerian politicians. Many former governors in the country go on to contest for Senate seats or work to install successors who answer to them. Otti said he wants no part of that system.
"I keep saying it, I'm not interested in anything else," he said, repeating a stance he has held publicly since his election. He said leadership should make room for younger Nigerians, adding that the next generation should be allowed to contribute to the country's development.
Otti's decision to step aside entirely is unusual in Nigerian politics, where former executives often remain dominant figures in their states for years after leaving office. Some former governors have served as senators, ministers or party leaders. Otti said he will not follow that path.
The governor's banking career spanned decades before his political entry. He led Diamond Bank through a period of expansion before the bank was acquired by Access Bank. That corporate background set him apart from many of his political peers in Abia State, where political dynasties have historically held sway.
His 2023 victory was a significant result for the Labour Party, which won the governorship in Abia as part of a broader wave of support for third-party candidates in that election cycle. Otti ran against the PDP candidate and several others, winning the state's top office.
Since then, his administration has pursued a programme of public sector reforms and infrastructure projects. He has said on multiple occasions that his focus is on governance, not political positioning.
His latest remarks were made while speaking about his political future. He said he does not want to remain involved in politics after completing his mandate as governor. He said he believes younger Nigerians should be given the opportunity to lead the country.
Otti's position stands in contrast to the behaviour of many of his predecessors and contemporaries. In Abia State, as elsewhere in Nigeria, former governors have often remained politically active, backing candidates and maintaining influence over party structures. Otti said he wants no part of that.
"I don't want to be a godfather," he said.
The governor's tenure is set to run until 2027. He has said he intends to finish his work and leave.
According to Pulse.ng.
