Abia State government has clarified that Governor Alex Otti’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was strictly focused on issues concerning the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The clarification was issued on Thursday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Media and Publicity. His statement addressed claims made by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya, who alleged that the governor went to the Presidential Villa to discuss plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ekeoma dismissed the allegation, explaining that Governor Otti’s meeting with President Tinubu was a continuation of his efforts over the past two years to secure Kanu’s release.
According to him, “In continuation of Governor Otti’s efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s release, the Governor met with the President after visiting the IPOB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The issue of Kanu was the only reason for the visit to Aso Rock, and to the glory of God, the meeting was positive and fruitful. The President was gracious and receptive.”
Ekeoma added that it became necessary to set the record straight because the matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s release is sensitive and of great concern to the Abia State government. He accused Ogbonnaya of persistently attacking Governor Otti due to unresolved political grievances from the 2023 general elections.
Governor Otti had earlier visited Kanu in the Sokoto Correctional Centre, accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
The governor restated his commitment to exploring every legitimate channel to secure Kanu’s freedom.
