A coalition of prominent stakeholders from Abia North Senatorial District has thrown its weight behind Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid, pledging to mobilise support for his second term and work towards sustaining his administration’s governance model beyond 2031.
The endorsement was made at the inaugural meeting of the non-political and non-partisan group held in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area, where participants praised the governor’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and public service reforms.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the group’s spokesman and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the alliance was formed by respected stakeholders, professionals and business leaders from the five local government areas of Abia North to promote continuity in good governance.
He stressed that members of the group were not politicians or government contractors but individuals motivated by the desire to preserve what they described as the positive transformation taking place across the state.
According to Mkpa, the meeting concluded that Governor Otti’s achievements had earned him the confidence of the people, making a strong case for his re-election in 2027.
He disclosed that the group had resolved to begin a grassroots campaign encouraging eligible voters to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the next general election.
The stakeholders also pledged to support candidates of the governor’s political party seeking election into the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, saying such collaboration would help consolidate the administration’s development agenda.
Businessman and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens Football Club, Robert Onyeani, said ongoing infrastructure development had transformed the economic outlook of Abia North.
He cited the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Arochukwu Road as one of the projects that encouraged him to relocate his football clubs and hotel business to Abiriba, noting that improved road connectivity had boosted investment and commercial activities in the area.
Onyeani said the stakeholders were determined to ensure Governor Otti secures another term in office and eventually hands over to a worthy successor capable of sustaining the state’s development trajectory.
Host of the meeting, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, said the gathering was intentionally restricted to individuals without political ambitions or expectations of government appointments.
He recalled that Abia had suffered years of poor governance before the current administration, adding that the noticeable improvements in infrastructure and security had renewed public confidence in government.
Ezikpe said the group’s commitment extends beyond supporting Otti’s second-term bid to identifying and backing credible lawmakers who would complement the governor’s efforts and ensure the continuity of his reforms.