Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said he plans to leave active politics after completing his tenure, saying he wants younger Nigerians to have the opportunity to take over leadership.
Otti made the remarks on Thursday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while speaking about the importance of good governance and the need for political leaders to create room for a younger generation.
The governor said he would not seek another political position after his tenure, stressing that his priority was to ensure that younger people could take up leadership responsibilities.
“Once I finish this one, I will retire. Why do I say so? I want the young people to take over,” Otti said.
He described good governance as one of the most important things a government can provide for its people, arguing that citizens who experience effective leadership would be less willing to return to poor governance.
“The most important thing you can give a people is good governance.”
Otti also rejected the idea of becoming a political godfather after leaving office, saying he had no interest in controlling political affairs from behind the scenes.
“I don’t want to be a godfather. And I don’t tolerate godfathers,” he said.
The governor said that when citizens experience improved governance, they would be able to assess potential leaders based on their abilities and choose who they believe is best suited for the job.
“So, if you are afraid that we will go back to Egypt, it will never happen. We will all sit down, look at everybody and say, who is the best person for this job? And all of us will agree, and we will campaign for him; he will win. We will take a back seat,” Otti said.
He also ruled out pursuing a Senate seat after leaving the governorship, saying he had no plans to continue seeking elective office.
“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,” he said.
Otti said his decision to leave active politics was influenced by his belief that younger Nigerians should be given opportunities to participate in governance and assume leadership positions.
He criticised what he described as the practice of political leaders holding on to power indefinitely, arguing that the country has a younger generation with the skills and training needed to contribute to public administration.
“We should stop this sit-tight; it’s only you. Not only you, it also can’t be only you. There are smarter, more trained, better trained, better equipped younger people. Our children, we need to give them opportunities,” Otti said.
The governor’s comments come as he continues to emphasise governance, institutional development and the need for leadership succession in public office.
