Abia North group backs Otti re-election bid

Stakeholders from Abia North have pledged to support Governor Alex Otti’s bid for a second term and to promote the continuation of policies associated with his administration. The commitment was made at a meeting of the Alliance for Good Governance in Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State. The group’s secretary and spokesperson, former Abia State University vice-chancellor Professor Mkpa Mkpa, presented the meeting’s communique on Saturday.

He said the stakeholders wanted what they described as good governance to continue beyond 2031 and be carried forward by future leaders. Mkpa said the group had agreed that supporting Otti’s re-election required more than expressions of goodwill. It would therefore undertake voter education, particularly at grassroots level and among less literate residents, he said.

The group also said it would mobilise young people not to yield to pressure or inducements from opposing parties. Mkpa urged voters not to sell their votes and called for support for Otti and candidates on his platform. He described the Alliance for Good Governance as non-partisan, while appealing to residents to preserve what he called an opportunity created by the current administration.

He also praised Otti’s record without listing specific projects or policies in the communique. Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Uchechukwu Ogah and economist and former FBN Holdings Group managing director Urum Eke said the stakeholders were organising their structures ahead of the general elections. They said Abia residents should not allow mediocrity to occupy positions of trust.

The platform’s convener, Ebueme Ezikpe, and meeting host Johnson Chukwu said the alliance brought together opinion leaders and influential residents to shape the direction of governance in the state. They attributed improvements in governance to Otti’s administration.