Abuja, February 19, 2026 – Dr. Alex Otti, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and prominent Abia State politician, has publicly dismissed reports linking him to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he has no interest in joining the party.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Dr. Otti described the speculations as “false and unfounded,” emphasizing that while he holds no personal grievances against the APC or its members, he remains committed to his current political path.
According to Ekeoma, efforts by certain APC factions to court Dr. Otti included persuasion, threats, and attempts to discredit his record. These, he said, “proved futile given Dr. Otti’s cordial and strong relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government.”
The statement noted that recent media reports suggesting Dr. Otti was lobbying or negotiating to join the APC were “entirely false.” Dr. Otti’s office reiterated that he respects the APC as a party and maintains friendships within it but has decided not to affiliate with the party at this time.
Ekeoma also highlighted ongoing challenges within the Abia APC, describing the party as having multiple factions with conflicting interests and a history of internal crises dating back to the 2014 national convention, which was marred by violence and the death of a party member.
As a senior political figure and former governor, Dr. Otti expressed hope that the postponed APC congresses in Abia State proceed peacefully and without incident. He urged those spreading rumors about his political intentions to focus on more substantive issues.
“Governor Otti has no intention of joining the APC. We call on those propagating these false reports to allow him to focus on his responsibilities,” the statement concluded.
Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Dr. Alex Otti
February 19, 2026
