Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying his position is influenced by his responsibilities as a state governor and member of the National Economic Council.

Otti made the clarification during an exclusive interview aired by Arise Television on Friday, following questions about whether his support for Tinubu represented an arrangement between him, a Labour Party governor, and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The governor said he was not in a position to oppose Tinubu’s candidacy while serving within the government structure, arguing that such an approach could create tension within the system.

“It works the way you have said. It’s a statement of fact. I am not in a position to oppose his candidacy,” Otti said.

He, however, distinguished his support for Tinubu in his official capacity from the Labour Party’s position ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

When asked whether Tinubu was the presidential candidate he had previously referred to as having his support, Otti rejected the suggestion and confirmed that he was referring to a Labour Party candidate.

“No, that’s not what I said,” he said when Tinubu was identified as the candidate.

Asked again whether he supported Tinubu, Otti said his responsibilities as governor made it necessary for him to work with the President.

“What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?” he responded.

The Abia governor explained that, as a member of the National Economic Council, he participates in discussions and decisions concerning the Federal Government’s policies.

“I had also said that as a governor in this republic, that a lot of the things that are being, in fact, I’m part of all the things that have been done as a member of National Economic Council. So, we should distinguish that.

“When somebody now says, ‘Oh, you are supporting or you’re not,’ I have to support him,” he said.

Otti also explained that disagreements over government policies should, in his view, be addressed within official meetings rather than through open opposition while serving as part of the government.

“And sometimes people don’t understand opposition. When you say opposition, and you are part of a government, then what you are driving towards is implosion.

“So if I do have a problem with anything, I’ll sit down in one of our meetings and I’ll make my point. So I’m not going to oppose his candidacy,” he added.

The governor further said some policies introduced under Tinubu’s administration align with positions he has previously expressed. He specifically cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he said he considered unsustainable.

“Quite frankly, there are a lot of things that we have talked about now, that he has implemented, that resonate with me and my thinking.

“People don’t have to agree with me, but from where I sit, I know that for instance, the fuel subsidy was even unsustainable,” Otti said.

His comments come amid political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Otti remaining a prominent figure within the Labour Party while also maintaining working relations with the Federal Government.