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Former House of Representatives aspirant, Simon Oshi, has endorsed Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as his preferred candidate to represent the South East in the 2031 presidential election, saying the governor has demonstrated the capacity to lead Nigeria.
Oshi said the region should support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027 and begin considering a presidential candidate after the incumbent completes his constitutionally permitted two terms.
He made the remarks yesterday while speaking with journalists, arguing that, although the South East has capable individuals who can govern the country, the timing of its demand for the presidency is important.
Oshi, who contested for Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency in Enugu State under the People’s Democratic Party in 2019, but later stepped down, said Otti has distinguished himself through “visible development in Abia”.
Highlighting some of the developments, he pointed to improvements in the state’s manufacturing and business environment, as well as access to electricity, as evidence of the governor’s capacity to drive economic growth. Oshi also claimed that some parts of Abia now enjoy round-the-clock electricity, which he said was uncommon among states in the country.
Oshi, who also contested the Aninri chairmanship in 2019, said his support for Otti was based on the governor’s record, rather than party affiliation. He noted that he was not a member of the Labour Party, under which Otti was elected governor in 2023.
“Personally, I feel that, since Jagaban is doing a wonderful job of turning the country around after several years of directionless governance, he should be allowed to complete his eight years,” Oshi said.
He added: “Then, it is time for the South East. When that time comes, we already have a lot of capable hands who can represent us. Personally, I would say that Alex Otti should be the next presidential candidate representing the South East.”
Oshi argued that Otti’s performance in Abia offered a basis for considering him for a national leadership role, saying the governor’s achievements are visible and have effects on residents. He challenged other governors to match what he described as Otti’s progress, particularly in providing reliable electricity to support businesses and manufacturing.
Otti, an economist and former banking executive, was sworn in as Abia governor on May 29, 2023, after winning the governorship election on the Labour Party platform.
Oshi’s endorsement has introduced a critical factor in discussions about the South East’s political strategy for 2031, even as he maintains that the region should first support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
