EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s response to a question on the reported endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition by South East governors during the July edition of Governor Otti Speaks to Abians was never a political answer. It was a measured affirmation of democratic values, constitutionalism and principled leadership. Rather than responding through the prism of partisan politics, the Governor deliberately anchored his position on his long held convictions about public policy and governance, while acknowledging that President Tinubu, like every incumbent, has the constitutional right to seek re-election and present his record before the Nigerian people.
“I am not against President Tinubu’s second term ambition. It is his right to seek re-election,” the Governor declared. He went further to remind Nigerians that he had consistently supported major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, long before assuming office. He even invited the public to verify his ThisDay newspaper back page articles published between 2016 and 2022, where he consistently advocated those reforms. His response reflected consistency, intellectual honesty and courage of conviction. It demonstrated the character of a leader whose positions are shaped by principle rather than political convenience, and who understands that difficult reforms, though painful in the short term, are often indispensable for long term national recovery.
Governor Otti’s remarks portray him as a genuine democrat who understands and respects the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every eligible Nigerian possesses the constitutional right to contest for public office, including the office of President. By affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s right to seek another mandate, Governor Otti simply acknowledged a constitutional guarantee that lies at the heart of every democratic society. Respecting that right is not synonymous with political endorsement. Rather, it is a recognition that democracy flourishes when constitutional liberties are protected and leaders are permitted to seek a renewed mandate based on their performance and the confidence of the electorate.
His response also reinforces his identity as a progressive leader whose decisions are neither dictated by partisan considerations nor coloured by ethnic sentiment. Throughout his public life, Governor Otti has consistently demonstrated that he supports policies based on their merit and their capacity to improve the lives of Nigerians. His endorsement of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms years before they became official government policy underscores a leader who places national interest above partisan calculations. In that context, his position also reflects a fair and objective appreciation of President Tinubu’s reform agenda, which, despite the undeniable hardships it has imposed, is intended to reset the economy, restore fiscal discipline and lay stronger foundations for sustainable national development.
This philosophy has equally defined Governor Otti’s approach to governance since assuming office as Governor of Abia State. He believes that government is one, irrespective of the tier at which it operates. The Federal Government, state governments and local governments exist to serve the people and promote their welfare. Sustainable development is best achieved through cooperation, constructive engagement and mutual respect among the different levels of government, not through needless political confrontation. It is this understanding that has shaped his cordial working relationship with the Federal Government in advancing projects and programmes that directly benefit Abia State. It also explains why he would not rush to oppose a sitting President who is constitutionally entitled to seek re-election.
More importantly, Governor Otti’s response echoes one of democracy’s most enduring principles which implies that sovereignty resides with the people. Democratic leadership is not determined by political endorsements, elite consensus or media speculation. It is determined by the free and lawful choice of the electorate through the ballot. The people remain the ultimate custodians of political power, and it is only through elections that they confer legitimacy on those who govern. In the case of President Tinubu, that legitimacy will ultimately be tested by the strength of his record, the effectiveness of his reforms and the judgment of Nigerians, who will evaluate his performance against their expectations and aspirations.
Consequently, the decision on whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should secure another term in office does not belong to governors, political parties or influential political actors. It belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people. Likewise, the question of whether Governor Alex Chioma Otti deserves another mandate rests solely with the people of Abia State. Democracy places that sacred responsibility in the hands of the electorate and nowhere else. It is therefore entirely consistent with Governor Otti’s democratic philosophy that he would not adopt a combative posture toward the President’s ambition when the ultimate decision rests with the voters.
Against this background, attempts to portray Governor Otti as an opponent of President Tinubu’s second term ambition are inconsistent with both his public statements and his demonstrated style of leadership. His remarks during the media chat neither declared political hostility nor suggested opposition to the President’s constitutional right to seek re-election. Instead, they reflected the disposition of a statesman who believes that governance should be anchored on cooperation, respect for democratic institutions and an unwavering commitment to the public good. They also revealed a leader who can acknowledge the legitimacy of the President’s aspiration without compromising his own independence of thought or his objective assessment of policies and performance.
This explains why Governor Alex Chioma Otti will not stand against the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His political philosophy is firmly rooted in constitutional democracy, respect for the rule of law and commitment to the collective interest of Nigerians. By the same token, there is every reason to expect that President Tinubu, as the nation’s leader, will continue to respect the democratic mandate freely given to Governor Otti by the people of Abia State and support every lawful initiative aimed at advancing the development of the state. Such mutual respect between the Federal Government and the states is not only healthy for Nigeria’s democracy; it is also indispensable to the success of the reforms and development agenda required to move the nation forward.
Ultimately, however, neither Governor Otti nor President Tinubu will determine the other’s political future. That sacred responsibility belongs exclusively to the electorate. Nigerians will decide whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves another term in office, while the people of Abia State will determine whether Governor Alex Chioma Otti merits a second term as Governor. That is the beauty of democracy. That is the supremacy of the ballot. And that is the enduring message conveyed by Governor Otti’s thoughtful, principled and statesmanlike response.
– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.