Dr. Alex Otti is a renowned Nigerian banker, economist, and politician. Born on 18th March 1965, he is a native of Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria.
He is popularly known for his outstanding career in the banking sector and his political ambitions, having contested for governorship elections in Abia state in 2015, 2019 and now 2023 which he won under Labour Party (LP).
Dr. Alex Otti started his academic journey at the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1988. He went on to acquire a Master’s degree in Economics from the same university in 1990 before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Doctorate degree in Economics in 1996.
Dr. Alex Otti’s professional career started in the banking industry, where he held various positions in different banks. He started with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 1988 and worked there for four years before joining the defunct Citizens International Bank, where he rose to the position of Assistant General Manager within four years. In 1996, he joined Diamond Bank and quickly climbed the corporate ladder to become the Executive Director of the bank.
During his time as the Executive Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti played a significant role in transforming the bank into a top financial institution in Nigeria. He was credited with implementing innovative strategies that helped Diamond Bank to increase its profitability and grow its customer base. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its operations, opened new branches, and introduced new products and services to its customers.
Dr. Alex Otti’s remarkable performance at Diamond Bank did not go unnoticed. In 2014, he was appointed as the Group Managing Director and CEO of the bank, succeeding Dr. Pascal Dozie. He held the position for one year before retiring from the banking industry to pursue his political ambitions.
Dr. Alex Otti’s foray into politics started in 2015 when he contested for the governorship election in Abia State, under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). He ran a formidable campaign, which focused on his credentials as an accomplished banker and his plans to transform Abia State into an economic hub. Although he lost the election to the incumbent governor, Okezie Ikpeazu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his performance was widely praised by political analysts and observers.
In 2019, Dr. Alex Otti again contested for the governorship election in Abia State, this time under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Once again, he ran a vigorous campaign, highlighting his vision for the state and his plans to create jobs, improve the quality of education, and provide basic infrastructure for the people. However, he lost to the incumbent governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, in the election, which was marred by allegations of electoral malpractice.
Despite his losses in the elections, Dr. Alex Otti has remained an active participant in the Nigerian political landscape. He has continued to advocate for good governance, accountability, and transparency in the management of public resources. He has also been vocal in his criticism of the Nigerian political system, which he believes is flawed and in urgent need of reform.
Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) won the March 18 governorship election in Abia State. He trounced his opponents like Okey Ahiwe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Enyinnaya Nwafor of the Young Peoples Party (YPP). Otti scored 175,467 to win Governor-Elect, while Ahiwe polled 88,529 while Nwafor got 28,972.
Dr. Alex Otti is a devoted family man. He is married to Lady Chinyere Otti, and together, they have three children. His wife is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who has been actively involved in various community development projects in Abia State.
Aside from his professional and political pursuits, Dr. Alex Otti is also a philanthropist
