Abia State Governor Alex Otti has clarified that his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was strictly about securing the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The governor’s office dismissed allegations that the trip had political undertones ahead of the 2027 elections.
The clarification was issued by Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
He faulted claims by Charles Ogbonnaya, a former Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, that Otti’s visit was politically motivated.
Ekeoma said the governor had visited Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Two days later, Otti met President Tinubu to discuss ongoing efforts regarding Kanu’s case.
He explained that the governor has engaged with federal authorities for over two years, aiming to secure Kanu’s release.
“The meeting with President Tinubu was focused on one issue only,” Ekeoma said, adding that the President responded positively to the ongoing negotiations.
The aide described Ogbonnaya’s claims as misleading and entirely false.
He accused the former commissioner of attacking Otti due to political grievances dating back to the 2023 elections.
Ekeoma challenged Ogbonnaya to name any individuals the governor supposedly betrayed, insisting no such incident ever occurred.
He also dismissed suggestions that Otti’s meeting signaled an imminent political defection. Several political leaders, including APC figures, have openly expressed willingness to welcome the governor if he ever chose to switch parties.
He further refuted claims that Otti lacked political capacity.
Ekeoma noted that in the last election, the governor defeated Ogbonnaya and his preferred candidates in his polling unit, ward, and local government.
“The attempt to accuse the governor of playing politics with Kanu’s matter, while attacking him for engaging federal authorities, is irrational,” Ekeoma said.
He described Ogbonnaya’s comments as inconsistent and uncoordinated.
Governor Otti’s visit to Sokoto has drawn significant attention in the South-East, where calls for Kanu’s release remain strong.
As the matter continues, Otti’s office insists that the focus remains on Kanu’s release, not political maneuvering ahead of upcoming elections.