Governor Alex Otti Clarifies Visit to Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu Release, Not Defection

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has clarified that his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was solely to discuss the release of jailed IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, dismissing claims that the trip was aimed at facilitating his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification comes in response to allegations by APC chieftain and former Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonna, who claimed that Governor Otti met the President to plan his entry into the APC.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti described the allegation as “laughable, irresponsible, and petty,” emphasizing that the Kanu matter was the sole focus of the visit.

“In continuation of Governor Otti’s efforts to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release, he met with the President after visiting the IPOB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The meeting was positive and fruitful, with the President being gracious and generous,” the statement read.

Governor Otti’s office further noted that any political party he chooses to join would welcome him with warmth and fanfare, adding that several prominent APC leaders are appealing for his membership due to his political value, not coercion.

The statement emphasized that while Chief Ogbonna alleged Otti was playing politics with the Kanu issue, the Governor was in fact engaging the Federal Government to secure the IPOB leader’s release.

“Chief Ogbonna’s claims are unfounded and distract from a sensitive and important national matter,” the statement added.