Nigeria, Sept. 17 -- The political equation in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections has taken a fresh turn after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said Governor Alex Otti is backing President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, prompting the Abia State Government to acknowledge the governor's close relationship with the president but stop short of confirming his support.

Okey Kanu, Abia commissioner for information, told PREMIUM TIMES that while Mr Otti's relationship with Mr Tinubu is "very cordial," any definitive declaration on the president's 2027 ambition would have to come from the governor himself.

"At an appropriate time, such confirmation would come from my governor," Mr Kanu said.

Abia State Government's carefully worded response neither...