Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure in 2031, ruling out a bid for the Senate or any other political office.
Otti made the declaration on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Umuahia while speaking about leadership succession and the need to give younger people opportunities to take over political leadership.
Key Highlights
Alex Otti says he will retire from active politics after his tenure in 2031.
The Abia governor rules out contesting for the Senate after leaving office.
Otti says younger Nigerians should be given opportunities to assume leadership.
The governor says he does not intend to become a political godfather.
Otti says he wants his successor to build on the progress of his administration.
The governor has previously ruled out presidential and vice-presidential ambitions after his tenure.
Otti said political leaders should eventually give way to younger people rather than remain in public office or continue to influence politics indefinitely.
“Once I finish this one, I will retire. Why do I say so? I want the young people to take over,” the governor said.
He also ruled out seeking a Senate seat after his tenure, saying he had no interest in pursuing another political position.
“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,” Otti said.
The governor further said he did not intend to become a political godfather after leaving office.
“I don’t want to be a godfather. And I don’t tolerate godfathers,” he said.
Otti said his priority was to ensure a smooth leadership transition in Abia State and expressed confidence that his successor would be able to build on his administration’s work.
“What I can assure you is that by the time I’m done, the person that will succeed me will be better than me,” he said.
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The governor has made similar statements in the past. In December 2025, Otti said he had no presidential, vice-presidential or senatorial ambition after completing his governorship and said he intended to give younger people an opportunity to lead.
Otti’s latest comments also reflect his stated opposition to what he described as a “sit-tight” approach to political leadership.
He said younger people should be given opportunities to contribute to governance, arguing that political leaders should know when to step aside after completing the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The governor’s remarks come as discussions about political succession and the future leadership of Abia State continue ahead of the 2031 transition.
