A Professor of Economic Development at Abia State University, Prof Nnamdi Nwaeze, has stirred political conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that he would support Alex Otti if the governor emerges as the most credible candidate across party lines.
In his Facebook post titled “There are no political party ideologies in Nigeria,” the academic expressed deep concern over what he described as the absence of ideological distinction among Nigeria’s political parties. According to him, the nation’s political landscape is dominated by individuals rather than ideas, with both “good and bad politicians” spread across all registered parties.
Prof. Nwaeze argued that this lack of ideological clarity has contributed significantly to governance challenges in Abia State and the country at large. He maintained that voters must shift focus away from party affiliations and instead make pragmatic choices based on candidate competence.
“All political parties in Nigeria are the same; no difference,” he wrote, adding that citizens may need to “elect the lesser evil” as a temporary measure to alleviate governance failures. While noting that no major contender has formally declared interest in the Abia governorship race, including Governor Otti, the professor made his position clear that his support would depend strictly on comparative assessment.
“If Governor Otti is the best candidate among all the parties in the forthcoming general elections, I will vote for him,” he stated emphatically.
He further stressed his independence in decision-making, insisting that no political pressure or influence would determine his choice at the polls. “Nothing to Lose” and the incumbency factor. Prof. Nwaeze remarked that he has no personal stakes tied to the outcome of the election, emphasising that his career and achievements were built without government patronage.
“I have nothing to lose should Governor Otti win the next election… no contracts, no appointments, no government funding,” he noted.
He also pointed to the historical trend in Abia State, where incumbent governors have typically secured re-election, suggesting that Otti may enjoy a similar advantage, though he cautioned that political history is not immutable.
Politics and the “Feeding Bottle” Analogy
In a striking metaphor, the economist described governance as a “feeding bottle,” arguing that political competition in Nigeria often revolves around access to state resources. According to him, those who lost power in 2023 are eager to regain access, while incumbents strive to maintain control, framing this dynamic as the underlying reality of Nigerian politics.
“The feeding bottle is part and parcel of government. The opposition wants it, and the ruling government fights to retain it,” he asserted.
He linked this phenomenon to economic principles, referencing the “velocity of money hypothesis” to explain how public funds circulate within political systems.
Despite his critical tone, Prof. Nwaeze called for civility in political discourse, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable without resorting to insults or hostility. He reaffirmed his commitment to speaking on national issues, regardless of criticism, while advocating for constructive engagement in the democratic process.
