Elections: It’s Too Early To Talk About 2027; That’s Like Playing God— Governor Otti

Although the present democratic dispensation is only two years old, some politicians have already launched conversations and subtle campaigns for the 2027 elections, which Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly opposed.

Otti claims that individuals contemplating the 2027 elections in 2025 are attempting to forecast the future, as there is no guarantee that anyone will live beyond tomorrow.

Governor Otti made the remarks on Sunday while meeting with Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and Sen. Chris Adighije, who previously represented Abia Central Senatorial District.

According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, both men paid Otti a pleasant visit to applaud and encourage him for the wonderful work he is doing in the state, as well as to address governance concerns with him.

Governor Otti stated, “People in 2025 are talking about 2027…” You can’t even talk about 2027, since there’s no assurance you’ll go past 2025. “Who are you to start talking about 2027?” He questioned the hubris of people who were discussing 2027 and trying to play God as he envisioned it.

Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Tomorrow is a gambling day. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are fortunate to be a part of it, we can continue the discussion,” the governor said, adding that no one is qualified to talk about tomorrow unless he or she wishes to play God.

The Abia governor also stated that he will continue to support President Bola Tinubu as he makes difficult but courageous and necessary economic decisions to fix Nigeria’s economy and that President Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, which he described as a scam, was courageous and should have been done long ago.

“When it comes to supporting President Tinubu, the president and I are very good friends, and our friendship precedes party politics and current viewpoints; we agree on so many subjects, and we understand where we disagree. However, when it comes to the economy, what Mr President is doing has been my position for a long time,” the governor stated.

He advised readers to read his writings in the back of Thisday Newspaper from some years ago, particularly during d-19, in which he stated that it was time to withdraw the fuel subsidy when off-takers rejected crude sent to them, claiming that there was no need for it.

So, removing that subsidy needs courage, and I support it. We have been reckless for a very long time. And, after years of irresponsible behaviour, the punishment would be harsh, demanding, and painful. We are currently rectifying it; if we don’t give up, we will get it right.

Therefore, my support for the president is unquestionable; I will persist in backing him, given that this is the same government. Governor Otti added.

Governor Otti congratulated the former governor for his previous work in the state, emphasising that there was no need to dwell on past mistakes, stating that his administration had simply reset and resumed its work without looking back. He highlighted that he is utilising his time to work for people rather than fight anyone.

“Government and governance is a continuum; it can be broken, but you must go back and recover it,” Governor Otti explained, recalling how his late mother was a strong supporter of Orji Uzor Kalu for the good works he did in road construction when he became governor, particularly in Aba, and adding that he is still using the same template.

“I can tell you that the template is correct. You fix the site that creates revenue, and the revenue will flow in, which you can then utilise to improve other places,” he explained.

Sen. Alu, who described Governor Otti as his friend with whom he cannot play politics, said he “flew” (rode) from Igbere to the governor’s residence with ease, describing how smooth the road is from Igbere to Umuahia, which has now reduced the journey of 3 hours when the road was bad to less than an hour because Governor Otti has fixed the road connecting Umuahia, Bende, and Ohafia LGAs, which had been abandoned to dilapidation for over 16 years after he
You are my friend and brother for life. Regardless of electoral status, brotherhood remains the same. You’ve done well for our state. Thank you very much.

I want to be clear with you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership,” Dr. Kalu stated.
Sen. Kalu thanked the commissioner for the road reconstruction work in Igbere. I flew (rode) on the road, and it is not the same. That’s the truth. I find it thrilling that the road is constantly moving without interruption, and I am quite pleased with its condition.
Abians now understand what is best for them. They are the only ones who will decide who runs their state. When people are content, they persevere and give their utmost effort.
Sen. Kalu expressed support for Governor Otti and pushed him to align with President Tinubu, stating that he does not want him to quit his party. He wished the governor and his family well and stated that he would continue to visit him whenever he was in the state.
Sen. Adighije expressed his pride in being an Abian, stating that he supports Governor Otti and will continue to do so, emphasising progress for the state over partisan politics.

While praising President Tinubu’s national performance, he also stated that Governor Otti is doing an excellent job for the state. He joined Senator Kalu in urging the governor to support President Tinubu.