No one governor can mortgage the political will of the South-East
By Okechukwu Nwanguma
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State deserves commendation for reminding Nigerians of a fundamental democratic and constitutional principle: no governor, regardless of the office he occupies within a regional forum, has the authority to commit an entire region to supporting any presidential candidate.
His response to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s claim that South-East governors had resolved to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 was measured, principled, and democratic. Governor Otti rightly observed that while every governor is entitled to hold and express personal political views, no one can legitimately speak for all governors or for the people of the South-East without their express consent.
This is not merely a political disagreement. It goes to the heart of representative democracy. The South-East Governors’ Forum is not a political party, nor is its chairman the political spokesman or electoral agent of the region. The office of chairman is primarily that of a coordinator and facilitator, not a custodian of the political will of the people. Any attempt to present a personal or partisan position as the collective decision of the South-East undermines democratic norms and misrepresents the diversity of political opinion that exists within the region.
Governor Otti’s intervention is particularly significant because it redirects attention to governance rather than premature electioneering. Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and declining public confidence in public institutions. These are the issues that should command the full attention of those entrusted with public office. The campaign season will come in due course, and when it does, Nigerians—including the people of the South-East—will exercise their constitutional right to choose their preferred candidates.
Equally noteworthy is Governor Otti’s distinction between supporting government policies and endorsing a political candidate. Governments, regardless of political affiliation, will inevitably adopt policies that deserve support and others that merit criticism. Responsible leadership requires evaluating public policies on their merits, not on partisan considerations. Supporting a policy that advances the public interest does not amount to surrendering one’s political independence or granting a blanket endorsement for re-election. That distinction reflects political maturity and should be encouraged in every democracy.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s declaration, however, raises troubling questions. If there was no formal consultation and consensus among the governors of the South-East, presenting his personal position as the collective decision of the region amounts to political overreach. It creates the unfortunate impression that a regional institution established to advance common interests is being used to promote partisan objectives and personal political calculations.
Governor Uzodimma would do well to take a lesson from Governor Alex Otti. Rather than seeking validation through premature political endorsements or attempting to speak for an entire region, leaders should focus on earning the confidence of their people through competent, transparent, and people-centred governance. Governor Otti enjoys broad public goodwill in Abia because many citizens believe his administration has demonstrated purposeful leadership, prudent management of public resources, and a genuine commitment to improving their lives. His growing reputation has extended beyond Abia State, earning him the respect of many Nigerians who value good governance, irrespective of political affiliation. Political legitimacy built on performance is far more enduring than relevance sought through public displays of loyalty to those in power. If Governor Uzodimma devoted greater energy to delivering governance that inspires similar public confidence, he would have less need to seek political relevance through pronouncements that exceed his mandate.
This episode also offers a broader lesson for political leaders across Nigeria. Democratic leadership is not measured by proximity to power or by the frequency of public endorsements of incumbents. It is measured by fidelity to constitutional principles, respect for institutional processes, responsiveness to citizens, and the courage to defend democratic values even when doing so may be politically inconvenient.
The South-East has a long tradition of political engagement, independent thinking, and vigorous democratic participation. Its people have consistently demonstrated their capacity to assess leaders on the basis of competence, integrity, and performance rather than political proclamations. Their votes cannot be pledged in advance by any individual, no matter how highly placed. Sovereignty belongs to the people, and they alone will determine who deserves their mandate when the time comes.
Governor Alex Otti’s intervention should therefore be welcomed by all democrats, regardless of party affiliation. His statement was not simply a rejection of an inappropriate political endorsement; it was a defence of democratic accountability, constitutional propriety, and the right of every citizen to make a free political choice. These are principles that strengthen our democracy and deserve to be upheld.
As the 2027 elections gradually approach, political actors should resist the temptation to substitute personal ambition for collective consultation, or sycophancy for statesmanship. The South-East deserves leaders who will articulate and defend the region’s interests through dialogue, consensus, and principled engagement—not through unilateral declarations designed to curry favour with the centre.
No governor can donate the political mandate of the South-East. That mandate belongs exclusively to the people. It cannot be negotiated in closed rooms, proclaimed at political gatherings, or offered as a token of personal loyalty. It will be freely and democratically determined by the people when they cast their votes. That is the essence of constitutional democracy, and Governor Alex Otti deserves commendation for reminding the nation of this enduring truth.
