A coalition of non-partisan stakeholders from Abia North Senatorial District has endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, citing what it described as his impressive performance in governance and development across the state.
The endorsement followed the inaugural meeting of the group, held on Saturday at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area. The gathering brought together business leaders, professionals, opinion moulders and other prominent figures from the five local government areas of Abia North.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the group's spokesman and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the objective of the alliance was to ensure that the standard of governance introduced by the Otti administration is sustained beyond the governor's tenure.
According to him, members of the group are independent-minded individuals who are not seeking political appointments or government patronage but are committed to preserving what they described as a new era of responsible governance in the state.
"We came together to chart a course for sustaining good governance in Abia. Our members are accomplished professionals, captains of industry and respected stakeholders who have no personal interests to pursue other than ensuring that the progress being recorded in the state continues," Mkpa said.
He stated that participants unanimously commended Governor Otti's achievements in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security and public service reforms, insisting that the administration's performance had earned widespread public support.
The group also resolved to embark on voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections by encouraging eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). It further pledged to work towards the election of candidates of the governor's political party into the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly.
In addition, the stakeholders expressed their determination to ensure that the governance model established by the current administration outlives Otti's tenure by supporting a credible successor capable of consolidating the gains recorded so far.
Businessman and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens Football Club, Robert Onyeani, attributed increased private investment in Abia North to the ongoing road infrastructure projects executed by the state government.
He said the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Arochukwu Road influenced his decision to relocate his football clubs and hotel business to Abiriba, adding that improved road connectivity has boosted commercial activities in the area.
Onyeani said members of the group were committed to supporting Governor Otti's re-election in 2027 and ensuring the emergence of a successor who would continue the administration's development agenda.
Also speaking, the host of the meeting, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, explained that the group deliberately excluded career politicians and individuals seeking government appointments in order to preserve its independence.
He maintained that the initiative was driven by genuine concern for the future of Abia State, noting that residents had witnessed significant improvements in governance compared to previous administrations.
Ezikpe added that the group would also support credible candidates for legislative positions who share the governor's vision for the continued development of the state.
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