Otti: My visit to Tinubu was about Nnamdi Kanu, not APC defection

By James Ike

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has debunked claims that his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was connected to plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He clarified that the meeting focused solely on efforts to secure the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Otti’s reaction followed allegations by former Abia Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonna, who claimed the Governor met with the President to discuss joining the APC.

In a statement issued by Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor dismissed the claims as false, unfounded, and politically motivated. Ekeoma explained that the Governor’s engagement with the President was a continuation of longstanding efforts to ensure Kanu’s freedom, noting that Otti had earlier visited Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 30, 2025.

“The issue of Kanu was the only subject matter that took Governor Otti to Aso Rock. The meeting was positive and fruitful, and the President showed graciousness and understanding," he said.

Ekeoma described Ogbonna’s allegations of planned defection as “petty, ignoble, laughable and irresponsible,” stressing that Governor Otti does not need to lobby to join any political party. According to him, any party Otti chooses to join “would roll out the drums and red carpet to receive him.”

He further noted that several respected APC leaders have been appealing to Otti to join the party, acknowledging his political influence and credibility.

Responding to Ogbonna’s accusation that the Governor was politicising Kanu’s situation, Ekeoma stated that Otti has been consistently engaging the Federal Government on the matter for the past two years.

“Governor Otti did not campaign with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s name in 2023 and doesn’t need to use his plight ahead of 2027,” the aide added. “However, he firmly believes that resolving issues surrounding Kanu’s conviction is critical to achieving peace, security, and healing in the South East.”

The state government reiterated its commitment to pursuing every lawful avenue to secure Kanu’s release and condemned attempts to distort the purpose of Otti’s visit to the President.