Dr. Bashir Lamido, leader of the Arewa Summit International and a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress ( APC) has launched a scathing critique of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing him of political duplicity and insincerity in his dealings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement made public on Monday, Lamido alleged that Governor Otti has been giving what he described as “fake assurances” of loyalty to both President Tinubu and Obi, while his true political allegiance lies with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. According to Lamido, Otti’s public posture of neutrality and goodwill toward the current administration is at odds with his private political commitments.
“Governor Otti is not being straightforward,” Lamido said. “You cannot claim to support President Tinubu and at the same time work against his political interest. If Otti genuinely loves the President and wants him to succeed and possibly secure a second term, the honorable thing to do is to openly align himself with the APC, just as sincere leaders like Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State have done.”
Lamido argued that Otti’s refusal to join the ruling party stems from what he described as fear of internal power-sharing and party discipline. He further alleged that the Abia governor prefers operating alone in order to maintain unchecked control over state resources, which he claimed are being used to settle political obligations, particularly to Rotimi Amaechi, whom he accused of financing Otti’s electoral victory.
The Arewa leader also criticized the Abia State government’s media strategy, accusing Otti’s media aides of launching coordinated attacks on former Abia State Governor and current senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for supporting Tinubu. Lamido said the attacks followed what he described as a “harmless and friendly” comment made by Kalu about Governor Otti.
“There was absolutely no need for such hostility,” Lamido stated. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu deserves respect, not insults. Governor Otti owes him a public apology for the actions of his media team.”
Questioning Otti’s democratic credentials, Lamido suggested that the governor appears overly sensitive to criticism and opposition. “Why is he so worried about opposition? Why does every comment trigger panic?” he asked, adding that such behavior could signal intolerance for dissent.
Lamido concluded by urging Governor Otti to embrace transparency and political honesty, warning that what he termed a “know-it-all attitude” and political ambiguity could ultimately damage his credibility, isolate him within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and end his political career as a one term governor.