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The Abia State government has stated that Governor Alex Otti’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was strictly centred on discussions regarding the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and not linked to alleged plans to defect to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, issued the clarification on Thursday following claims by former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya.
Ogbonnaya had suggested the meeting signalled possible political realignment.
Ekeoma explained that the discussion with the president continued long-standing engagements aimed at securing Kanu’s release.
He stated that Otti’s meeting with Tinubu followed his recent visit to Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 30, 2025, marking another step in efforts maintained over the past two years.
He noted that addressing the allegation became necessary due to the sensitivity of Kanu’s case and its importance to the Abia State government.
Ekeoma suggested that Ogbonnaya’s criticism was driven by unresolved political grievances stemming from Otti’s exit from his former party during the 2023 elections.
Channels Television reported that Governor Otti met the President at the State House on Tuesday evening.
He had earlier visited Kanu alongside Emmanuel Kanu, the Abia Attorney-General Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), and Ekeoma.
Governor Otti restated his commitment to pursuing lawful avenues to secure Kanu’s release.
