Governor Otti’s recent visit to President Tinubu was primarily focused on discussions surrounding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rather than any potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
Ekeoma issued a statement on Thursday to clarify the purpose of the meeting, responding to claims made by former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya. Ogbonnaya had alleged that Otti’s engagement with the President was aimed at discussing a possible political shift to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The aide emphasized that Otti’s meeting with President Tinubu was a continuation of ongoing efforts that have been in place for the past two years to secure Kanu’s release. Ekeoma noted that the discussions were solely centered on Kanu, highlighting the sensitivity and importance of the issue to the Abia State government. He described the meeting as positive and fruitful, with the President being gracious and generous in their discussions.
Otti’s visit to Aso Rock followed a recent meeting he had with Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where Kanu is currently incarcerated. Accompanying Otti during the visit to Kanu were his younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, the Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), and Ekeoma himself.
The governor’s aide also pointed out that the need to address Ogbonnaya’s allegations arose from a desire to dispel misinformation, especially given the ongoing sensitivity of Kanu’s situation. He suggested that Ogbonnaya’s criticisms of Otti stem from political grievances related to Otti’s departure from Ogbonnaya’s party during the 2023 general elections. Governor Otti has reiterated his commitment to exploring all legitimate avenues to facilitate Kanu’s release.
