In a dramatic twist that has tongues wagging across Abia State and beyond, Governor Alex Otti has come out swinging against rumors of his supposed presidential ambitions. The governor, who has been under fire after a controversial visit to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, is now insisting he’s not interested in any higher office,ever. 

Speaking from the Government House in Umuahia, Otti tried to shut down the viral video that accused him of plotting a move to Aso Rock. “I have said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I am done with governorship, I will retire,” Otti declared, as if that’s all it takes to end speculation in Nigerian politics. He even went as far as to say he has no interest in the Senate, Vice Presidency, or any other juicy post. But can anyone really believe that?

Otti claims his decision is all about “mission and responsibility,” and that he’s just waiting to hand over to the next generation. He dismissed talk of an “Igbo presidency” as if it’s beneath him, saying, “I do not even understand what that means.” Is this humility, or just a clever way to dodge tough questions?

The governor didn’t stop there. He took a swipe at other politicians who “went back to become local government chairmen” after being governor, painting himself as above such antics. “We are not cut out for those kinds of things,” he boasted, positioning himself as the poster boy for leadership renewal. But critics say this is just grandstanding.

On his headline-grabbing visit to Nnamdi Kanu, Otti insists it was all about “responsibility” since Kanu is from his state. He flatly denied any political motives, but the timing and optics of the visit have left many unconvinced. Is Otti really just a concerned governor, or is he playing a deeper political game?

Otti also tried to remind everyone of his “longstanding advocacy” for peace, referencing his condemnation of Operation Python Dance. He wants the public to see him as a man of dialogue, not division. But with the region still tense, some are questioning whether his words match his actions.

When it comes to the legal drama surrounding Kanu, Otti distanced himself from any talk of mutiny, but still called for “intervention” and “negotiation.” He claims he’s not supporting the breakup of Nigeria, but his critics aren’t buying it. Is he really just looking out for his constituent, or is there more to the story?

Otti wrapped up his media blitz by insisting that “everything is not politics,” and that his efforts to help Kanu have nothing to do with any so-called presidential ambition. But in a country where every move is political, is it possible to take him at face value?

For now, Otti’s “no ambition” speech is making headlines, but only time will tell if he’s truly stepping away from the political spotlight,or just setting the stage for his next act.