Abia Governor says Peter Obi, Atiku and other politicians are free to campaign in the state, stressing that he has no political quarrel with anyone

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out pursuing the presidency or any other elective position after completing his tenure as governor, saying he intends to retire from politics.

Otti made the declaration during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, while responding to questions about the 2027 presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and whether he might seek the presidency himself in the future.

The governor said he had no disagreement with Obi and maintained that he would allow any politician seeking to campaign in Abia State to do so, regardless of political affiliation.

Otti specifically mentioned Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying their political activities in the state would not be restricted by his administration.

“Oh, absolutely. Anybody that wants to campaign in my state will be allowed. Peter Obi and I are not fighting. Just like there’s nobody I’m fighting.

“So if he wants to campaign in the state, he will be allowed to campaign. If any other person, even Atiku, if he wants to campaign, he will be allowed to campaign. So that is what democracy is about,” Otti said.

The governor's comments come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups already positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.

Otti, however, said he was not interested in extending his political career beyond his current assignment as governor.

Asked whether he would consider contesting for president if the opportunity arose, he gave a firm response, saying his plan was to leave elective politics after completing his tenure.

“I had said just a few days ago that by the time I’m done with this, I’ll retire. So I’m not going to run for any other thing, not local government chairman, not Senate, not president, no,” he said.

According to Otti, his decision is driven by what he described as a sense of purpose rather than an ambition to pursue successive political positions.

“I think I came to deliver a calling, and that is what I’m doing now. Once I finish it, I’ll retire. And I’m not getting any younger anymore,” he added.

Otti's statement effectively rules out a future bid for the presidency, the Senate or other elective offices after his tenure as Abia governor, unless he later changes his position.

His remarks also underscore his stated willingness to accommodate political competition in Abia, including campaigns by prominent opposition figures and presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.