Umunna Leaders of Thought have taken a major political decision concerning Governor Alex Otti’s future. Read the full communiqué and powerful statements from stakeholders. Click to read more.
In a powerful show of unity and political resolve, leaders and stakeholders from Umunna in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have unanimously adopted Governor Alex Chioma Otti as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election on February 18th 2026.
The endorsement came at the end of a one-day high-level colloquium held at the Convention Arena, Princess Hotels, Igbere, in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State under the theme: “Good Governance as a Worthy Legacy to the Next Generation.”
The gathering attracted traditional rulers, clergy, political appointees, technocrats, youth groups, women leaders and respected sons and daughters of Item, Igbere, Alayi, Ugwueke and Ezeukwu.
The climax of the event was the issuance of a strongly worded communiqué signed by Dr. Onyekwere Okpara on behalf of the Umunna Leaders of Thought.
After reviewing the administration of Governor Otti since May 29, 2023, the leaders declared that:
- Abia State is witnessing visible and verifiable strides in good governance.
- Governor Otti has redefined governance through corporate-style efficiency and disciplined management.
- Infrastructure development—roads, electricity, school rehabilitation and quality healthcare—has become standard.
- Abians now take renewed pride in their state.
- Transparency and accountability have been entrenched in governance.
Based on these findings, the Umunna bloc resolved to:
- Continue supporting Governor Otti’s administration.
- Adopt him as the sole governorship candidate for 2027.
- Mobilize massively to ensure a landslide victory.
- Distance themselves from detractors.
- Pledge unalloyed loyalty to his leadership vision.
The communiqué described the current governance model in Abia as a blueprint worthy of legacy status.
In his welcome address, Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, set the tone for the event with a firm and passionate endorsement.
He thanked Governor Otti for appointing qualified sons and daughters of Umunna into strategic positions, noting that inclusion and competence have defined the present administration.
Dr. Ajala congratulated the Governor on his 61st birthday, celebrated on February 18, and prayed for continued strength as he steers the affairs of the state.
He emphasized that the colloquium was not merely ceremonial but a deliberate intellectual assessment of governance outcomes in Abia State.
Delivering one of the most striking remarks of the day, Dr. Chima Anyaso praised what he described as transformative leadership under Governor Otti.
He argued that leadership must be measured by tangible impact and insisted that governance must deliver measurable benefits to the people
His remarks drew strong applause from stakeholders who echoed similar sentiments about visible changes across sectors.
Reverend Ernest Onyeukwu, in his lecture on governance, highlighted what he described as a shift from surface-level improvements of the past to deep structural transformation.
He noted that development under the current administration reflects systemic rebuilding rather than cosmetic intervention.
Speakers across sectors reinforced this narrative:
Hon. Peter Ekekwe presented a scorecard on environmental reforms.
Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma highlighted infrastructure, citing the Uzuakoli–Ohafia Road.
Hon. David Anyaele spoke on inclusion and support for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Cliff Agbaeze detailed agricultural sector reforms.
Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo outlined the Governor’s impact on Abia State University, Uturu.
The Governor’s representative and Chief of Staff conveyed appreciation and reaffirmed commitment to sustained development.
Beyond intellectual discourse, the event clearly sent a strong political message: Umunna is consolidating early support ahead of 2027.
The adoption of Hon. Nnamdi C. Ibekwe as sole candidate for Bende North further underscored coordinated political alignment within the bloc.
Observers described the colloquium as one of the most strategic grassroots endorsements seen in recent political developments in Abia State.
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