The Abia State Government has refuted claims that Governor Alex Otti’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was politically motivated, insisting the discussion centred strictly on efforts to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The clarification was issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, following allegations by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya. Ogbonnaya had suggested that Otti’s trip to Aso Rock was part of a plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ekeoma dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded and misleading. He explained that the governor met with the President days after visiting Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 30, continuing discussions he has held with the Federal Government over the past two years.
According to him, the sole purpose of the meeting was to push for Kanu’s release, adding that the engagement with President Tinubu was “positive and fruitful.”
He said it was important to address Ogbonnaya’s claims because of the sensitivity of issues surrounding Kanu and the government’s ongoing efforts to secure his freedom.
Ekeoma criticised the former commissioner’s repeated attacks on the governor, arguing that they stemmed from political grievances dating back to Otti’s departure from Ogbonnaya’s party in 2023. He challenged him to provide evidence to support his allegations of betrayal.
Describing Ogbonnaya’s comments as “petty” and “irresponsible,” Ekeoma said Governor Otti would be warmly received by any political party should he decide to join, noting that even APC leaders had shown interest in having him within their ranks.
He further questioned Ogbonnaya’s consistency, pointing out that the former commissioner abandoned his party’s presidential candidate shortly after the 2023 election results were announced.
Ekeoma argued that accusing the governor of playing politics with Nnamdi Kanu while simultaneously opposing his engagement with the Federal Government on the matter was contradictory.
He maintained that the administration’s commitment to securing Kanu’s release remains unwavering and free from partisan motives.
