2027 Sh*ckwave: APC, PDP Heavyweights Rally Behind Alex Otti For Second Term

Among those who switched allegiance are the lawmaker representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo of the APC; former commissioner and ex-Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Ossy Nwamuo; and Lady Chinedu Brown, a two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs. Other notable political stakeholders from the area were also said to have joined the movement.

The declaration was made on Thursday in Ohanku community, where political leaders and residents gathered and described the endorsement as a unified decision that transcended party affiliations.

Receiving the defectors, Governor Alex Otti thanked them for their backing ahead of the 2027 governorship election and used the opportunity to address key developmental concerns, especially the long-standing electricity challenges in Ndoki land, which residents said had persisted for more than 20 years.

Otti assured the community that steps would be taken to restore power supply, noting that if electricity could be extended to areas outside Abia State, Ukwa East would not be left out. He indicated that necessary infrastructure such as transformers and smart meters would be provided, promising visible progress before the end of March.

The governor also directed the Commissioner for Works to complete the remaining stretch of Ohanku Road and extend it further into the community. He pledged that the reconstruction of the capital-intensive Obohia Road would reach Obohia village and added that internal road projects requested by Senator Adolphus Wabara would be considered.

On the lingering boundary dispute in Akirika Obu, Otti revealed that discussions had been initiated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State to ensure lasting peace. He further disclosed that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international palm production and processing firm to revive Abia Palm.

Otti announced that 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted, with four already operational and the remainder expected to commence services within 45 days. He also directed the Mayor of Ukwa East to undertake temporary repairs on damaged school roofs at the event venue, promising comprehensive rehabilitation at a later date.

In a notable gesture, the governor declined a proposed chieftaincy title from the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council, requesting that it be deferred until after he leaves office in 2031. He maintained that serving public officials should not receive honours while still in office.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and other leaders, including Lewis Obianyi, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche and Lady Chinedu Brown, described the endorsement as a collective decision of the Ukwa people, emphasising that it went beyond partisan politics.

Wabara formally moved a motion endorsing Otti for a second term, which was seconded by Obianyi and unanimously supported by the gathering.

The leaders praised the governor for initiating the construction of the first general hospital in Ukwa East, rehabilitating schools and upgrading primary healthcare centres. They, however, appealed for accelerated action on electricity restoration, revival of Abia Palm, extension of road projects from Aba to Ukwa East, and the resolution of the Akirika Obu crisis.

Also speaking at the event, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, representing the Asa community, commended Otti’s efforts while highlighting additional developmental needs.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and other dignitaries attended the event, where traditional rulers offered prayers and presented gifts to the governor.