El-zionNews

Governor Otti Says Discussing 2027 Now Is Premature and Like Playing God

EL-ZION NEWS   

Although Nigeria’s current democratic cycle is not yet two years in, some politicians have already started conversations and quiet campaigning for the 2027 elections—a move that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has openly condemned.

Otti criticized the early politicking, stating that discussing the 2027 elections in 2025 is akin to “trying to play God,” given the uncertainty of life and the future.

He made this statement on Sunday while hosting former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, as well as Senator Chris Adighije, who previously represented Abia Central, at his residence.

According to a statement from Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the two lawmakers visited Otti to commend his achievements in the state and engage in governance-related discussions.

Governor Otti remarked, “People in 2025 are talking of 2027… you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?” He questioned the boldness of such early election talk, accusing those involved of “trying to play God.”

He further stated, “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion,” emphasizing that only those attempting to play God would presume to speak confidently about the future.

Governor Otti also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding the President’s tough economic decisions, which he said are necessary for Nigeria’s recovery. He praised Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies—calling them a long-running scam—as a bold and overdue step.

“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But, when you talk about the economy, what Mr. President is doing has always been my position for a long time,” the Governor stated.