Alex Otti Should Be Campaigning for Peter Obi, Not Backing Tinubu — NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised Abia State Governor Alex Otti over his position on President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid, saying he should be supporting the party’s candidate, Peter Obi.

The Abia State chapter of the NDC made the position known amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections and following Otti’s recent comments about his relationship with the Federal Government.

Otti, who is a member of the Labour Party, said during an interview with Arise Television that he was not in a position to oppose Tinubu’s candidacy because he is part of a government that includes the President.

The governor explained that openly working against the President’s re-election bid while participating in the Federal Government’s economic decision-making process could create divisions within the system.

Otti also declined to disclose whether he would vote for Tinubu or Obi if he had to choose between the two candidates, saying only that his preferred candidate must be capable of winning the election.

Reacting to the development, the Abia NDC challenged the governor to publicly state his preferred presidential candidate.

The party maintained that Obi is its presidential candidate for the 2027 election and questioned why Otti would not openly support him.

The NDC also denied having any alliance with the Labour Party or the Abia State Government, following recent political developments involving the two parties.

The party accused the Labour Party of using a symbol similar to its two-finger victory sign and urged the party to stop using it.

The NDC further alleged that the Labour Party was using Obi in what it described as a sympathy campaign in Abia State while promoting Tinubu.

The party called on Otti to clarify his position on the presidential contest and explain his relationship with the various political interests involved.

Otti has, however, said that political candidates, including Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, would be free to campaign in Abia State ahead of the election.

He also said that he would not prevent opposition politicians from campaigning in the state, describing such access as part of democratic practice.

The political disagreement comes as parties and presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 election, with alliances, endorsements and campaign structures increasingly becoming subjects of public debate.