Tinubu can win without Otti’s backing in 2027, Abia APC boasts
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not require the support of Governor Alex Otti to secure victory in
- By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not require the support of Governor Alex Otti to secure victory in the state during the 2027 presidential election.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, made the assertion on Monday in Umuahia, stating that the APC possesses the political strength to deliver the President and win all elective positions in the state, including the governorship.
The party also advised Governor Otti to concentrate on his own political future, dismissing recent claims by one of his aides suggesting support for President Tinubu.
Reacting to the development, the APC described the governor’s purported endorsement as a “desperate and deceptive tactic” aimed at political survival.
According to the party, the governor is aware of his declining political prospects, claiming his chances of re-election are below 30 per cent despite what it described as “social media-driven narratives.”
Aguoru stated that the APC in Abia has gained significant momentum and is positioning itself to take over governance at all levels.
“While one might be tempted to welcome such a claim, especially from a party that has consistently undermined President Tinubu and the APC, we are not oblivious of the deceptive tendencies and unreliability that have come to define Governor Otti’s style of politics,” he said.
He added that the party would not be swayed by what it considers a calculated attempt to mislead the public.
"It is on record that Governor Otti and his party openly rejected the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and even refused to display the official portraits of President Tinubu in government offices and establishments.
"Furthermore, his supporters and close aides have continued to launch coordinated attacks against Mr. President and his policies on social media. Credible intelligence strongly suggests that these actions are being sponsored and encouraged by Governor Otti's government.
"Governor Otti’s recent posture only reinforces the perception of deception. Rather than openly and boldly identifying with President Tinubu, he has chosen to deploy proxies to communicate supposed support.
"While honest Governors like Charles Soludo of Anambra State, has clearly and publicly declared his support for President Tinubu. Governor Otti has consistently denied President Tinubu due recognition for all the federal government projects he executed in Abia State.
"This sudden declaration of support is nothing more than a desperate and deceptive tactic aimed at political survival. It is clear that Governor Otti understands the reality on ground, that his chances of re-election are less than 30% even with all the social media sponsored deception, as the APC in Abia State has gained significant momentum and is poised to take over governance at all levels.
We therefore advise President Tinubu to disregard such misleading overtures. The APC in Abia State possesses the structure, grassroots support, and political strength required to deliver no less than 80–90% of the votes for his re-election in 2027.
"Governor Otti should focus on securing a viable political platform for his own re-election bid before making hollow promises to a President whose mandate and second-term prospects are firmly rooted in the support of Nigerians.
"Such claims are akin to a drowning man offering help to one standing safely on solid ground.
"The APC in Abia State remains strong, united, and influential, with vibrant grassroots structures such as the Renewed Hope Partners, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, City Boys Movement, and Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria.
"These groups have continued to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots, where it has been widely embraced by the people of Abia.
"Governor Otti is advised to first secure his own political future, as one who lacks direction cannot lead others."
