By Segun Adebayo
Abia Governor Alex Otti has indicated that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure, saying he wants younger Nigerians to take over leadership.
Otti made the declaration on Thursday in Umuahia while receiving the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Ngozika Gladys Johnson-Chukwunenye, and her supporters who defected to the Labour Party.
The governor said he had no intention of seeking another elective office after his tenure, including a seat in the Senate.
“Once I finish this one, I will retire. Why do I say so? I want the young people to take over,” Otti said.
He also ruled out remaining in the background as a political godfather after leaving office, saying he would rather allow the people to determine who succeeds him.
“I don’t want to be a godfather. And I don’t tolerate godfathers,” he said.
Otti said his successor should be someone capable of building on what his administration had achieved, adding that Abians would collectively consider the available options and support the person they believe is suitable.
“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.
The governor also criticised what he described as the practice of politicians remaining in power indefinitely, arguing that younger people should be given opportunities to contribute to governance.
“We should stop this sit-tight; it’s only you. Not only you, it can’t be only you. There are smarter, more trained, better trained, better equipped younger people. Our children, we need to give them opportunities,” he said.
Otti had previously stated that he would retire from active politics after his governorship and had ruled out presidential, vice-presidential and senatorial ambitions after leaving office.
The governor’s latest comments come as his administration continues its second-term tenure, with Otti saying his focus remains on delivering his mandate in Abia before making way for a younger generation.