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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State deserves praise for reminding Nigerians of a fundamental democratic and constitutional principle: no governor, regardless of his position in a regional forum, has the authority to commit an entire region to supporting a presidential candidate.
His response to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s statement that South East governors had resolved to work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 was measured, principled and democratic. Governor Otti rightly observed that while every governor has the right to hold and express personal political opinions, no one can legitimately speak on behalf of all governors or the people of the South East without their explicit consent.
This is not simply a political disagreement. It goes to the heart of representative democracy. The South East Governors’ Forum is not a political party, nor is its president the political spokesperson or electoral agent of the region. The office of president is primarily that of coordinator and facilitator, not guardian of the political will of the people. Any attempt to present a personal or partisan position as a collective Southeast decision undermines democratic norms and misrepresents the diversity of political opinion that exists in the region.
Governor Otti’s intervention is particularly significant because it redirects attention to governance rather than premature electoral propaganda. Nigeria continues to face economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inflation and a decline in trust in public institutions. These are the issues that should command the full attention of those in public office. The election season will come in due time and when it does, Nigerians, including the people of the South East, will exercise their constitutional right to choose their preferred candidates.
Equally noteworthy is the distinction made by Governor Otti between support for government policies and support for a political candidate. Governments, regardless of political affiliation, will inevitably adopt policies that deserve support and others that deserve criticism. Responsible leadership requires evaluating public policies on their merits, not partisan considerations. Supporting a policy that advances the public interest is not the same as giving up one’s political independence or granting general support for re-election. This distinction reflects political maturity and should be encouraged in every democracy.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s statement, however, raises worrying questions. If there were no formal consultation and consensus among the governors of the South East, presenting his personal position as a collective decision of the region would be tantamount to political exaggeration. It creates the unpleasant impression that a regional institution created to promote common interests is being used to advance partisan objectives and personal political calculations.
Governor Uzodimma would do well to take a lesson from Governor Alex Otti. Rather than seeking validation through premature political endorsements or attempting to speak for an entire region, leaders should focus on earning the trust of their citizens through competent, transparent and people-centered governance. Governor Otti enjoys widespread public goodwill in Abia because many citizens believe that his administration has demonstrated focused leadership, prudent management of public resources and a genuine commitment to improving their lives. His growing reputation has extended beyond Abia State, earning him the respect of many Nigerians who value good governance, regardless of political affiliation. Political legitimacy built on performance is much more lasting than relevance sought through public displays of loyalty to those in power. If Governor Uzodimma devoted more energy to establishing governance that inspires such public trust, he would have less need to seek political relevance through statements that fall outside his mandate.
This episode also offers a broader lesson for political leaders across Nigeria. Democratic leadership is not measured by proximity to power or the frequency of public support for power holders. It is measured by fidelity to constitutional principles, respect for institutional processes, sensitivity towards citizens and the courage to defend democratic values even when doing so may be politically inconvenient.
The South East has a long tradition of political engagement, independent thinking and vigorous democratic participation. Its employees have consistently demonstrated their ability to evaluate leaders based on competence, integrity and performance rather than political proclamations. Their grades cannot be guaranteed in advance by any individual, no matter how high his or her rank. Sovereignty belongs to the people and only they will determine who deserves their mandate when the time comes.
Governor Alex Otti’s intervention should therefore be welcomed by all Democrats, regardless of party affiliation. His statement was not simply a rejection of inappropriate political support; it was a defense of democratic accountability, constitutional fairness, and the right of every citizen to make a free political choice. These are principles that strengthen our democracy and deserve to be supported.
As the 2027 elections gradually approach, political actors should resist the temptation to replace personal ambition with collective consultation, or servility with statesmanship. The Southeast deserves leaders who articulate and defend the region’s interests through dialogue, consensus and principled engagement, not through unilateral declarations designed to curry favor with the center.
No governor can give away the political mandate of the South-East. This mandate belongs exclusively to the people. It cannot be negotiated in closed rooms, proclaimed in political meetings, or offered as a sign of personal loyalty. It will be determined freely and democratically by the people when they vote. This is the essence of constitutional democracy, and Governor Alex Otti deserves praise for reminding the nation of this enduring truth.
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