A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has cautioned President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against trusting Governor Alex Otti’s recent political overtures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chief Ogbonnaya alleged that Governor Otti has a long-standing reputation for reneging on political promises and breaking alliances, describing him as a leader whose “despotic tendencies” run contrary to the ideals of democracy, teamwork, and consultation.
His statement follows widespread speculation that Governor Otti is planning to defect to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while reportedly pledging to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid from outside the APC.
Ogbonnaya, a former two-term commissioner in Abia State, urged President Tinubu not to be swayed by what he described as Otti’s unreliable promises, insisting that the governor “lacks the capacity and moral integrity” to honour any commitment.
“Dr. Alex Otti is a serial political betrayer who has never kept a single promise,” he said. “Ask those who worked with him in the PDP, APGA, APC, Labour Party, and Zenith Labour Party he broke every agreement he made.”
He further claimed that Otti abandoned Peter Obi for personal political gain and questioned the logic behind Otti’s vow to support Tinubu from APGA when the APC in Abia already has experienced and loyal members working for the President’s re-election.
“If Otti is sincere about supporting Mr President, why not join the APC? What influence does he have from APGA when we in the APC are already doing the work? This is deception typical of the governor,” Ogbonnaya stated.
He also criticised Otti for allegedly demolishing and sealing APC campaign offices in Abia, only to visit Abuja professing loyalty to President Tinubu.
Ogbonnaya accused the governor of misleading the public by claiming his visit to the President was to advocate for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. According to him, Otti’s trip was solely motivated by fear of political extinction ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Otti is now clutching at straws for political survival, including exploiting Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. Anyone who uses Kanu’s predicament for political gain will face consequences,” he warned.
The elder statesman, who is the Evulogu Ibeku, called on APC stakeholders in Abia to intensify efforts to expose what he described as Otti’s falsehoods and to work diligently for President Tinubu’s successful re-election.
