Former councillors in Abia State have pledged their support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general election, following the recent payment of their outstanding arrears by the state government.
The former councillors also used the opportunity to endorse Chima Anyaso of the Labour Party as their consensus candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections.
The decisions were reached during a strategic meeting held at Anyaso’s family residence in Igbere on Monday. The gathering brought together former councillors from across the state under the leadership of their state coordinator, Tony Agbanyim, who said the group was ready to work with political stakeholders to sustain the current administration and ensure continuity beyond 2027.
Speaking during the meeting, Agbanyim said the payment of arrears owed to former councillors by Governor Otti demonstrated leadership and respect for grassroots politicians who had served the state in the past. He noted that the gesture had restored confidence among former local government officials and strengthened their resolve to support the present administration.
According to him, the former councillors represent a strong political structure across wards and local government areas, and their collective decision to support Otti’s re-election was based on what they described as performance, accountability, and commitment to governance.
He explained that the group would begin mobilising support at the grassroots level, adding that they would engage communities, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders to ensure the governor’s policies and achievements were sustained beyond his first tenure.
The meeting also focused on the political future of Bende Federal Constituency, where the former councillors unanimously endorsed Anyaso as their preferred candidate for the House of Representatives seat in 2027.
In his remarks, Anyaso thanked the former councillors for the endorsement and described their support as a major political responsibility. He emphasised the need for fairness and equity in the zoning arrangement within Bende Local Government Area.
According to him, it is the turn of Bende North, particularly the Umunna axis, to produce the next representative in the House of Representatives, stressing that equity and rotation remain key to political stability and unity in the constituency.
He said zoning has played a critical role in maintaining balance in the area and urged stakeholders to respect the existing arrangement to avoid political tension and ensure inclusiveness.
Anyaso also stated that if elected, he would focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure development, education, and economic opportunities for the people of Bende Federal Constituency. He added that his ambition was driven by a desire to attract federal presence and improve the living conditions of the people.
The former councillors, in a joint statement at the end of the meeting, said their endorsement was based on consultations across political wards and communities. They described Anyaso as a credible candidate with the capacity to represent the constituency effectively.
They further pledged to work with the leadership of the Labour Party, community leaders, and other stakeholders to build a strong political movement that would deliver victory for Otti and Anyaso in the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the endorsement by former councillors could significantly influence grassroots mobilisation, especially in rural communities where former local government officials still maintain strong political structures and community ties.
With early endorsements and political alignments already taking shape, the political landscape in Abia State, particularly in Bende Federal Constituency, appears to be gradually building momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders position themselves for what is expected to be a competitive political season.
