By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The people of Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have declared their support for Governor Alex Chioma Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging widespread mobilisation to secure his re-election.
The endorsement was made on Easter Sunday, April 6, when a delegation of Abiriba stakeholders and community leaders, led by Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, paid a solidarity visit to the governor at his office.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, their spokesperson, Chief Jackson Agbai Abba, commended the governor’s performance, particularly in infrastructure development across the state, and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to his administration.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the stakeholders stressed that the Abiriba people remain united in their support, despite recent political developments involving an indigene of the community, which they described as a personal decision.
Agbai said the community had intensified mobilisation efforts, including voter registration drives in Abiriba and major cities such as Aba, Umuahia, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, as well as online party membership registration among members in the diaspora.
He added that sensitisation campaigns were ongoing across homes, churches, and markets to encourage participation in the electoral process.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the completion of the Abiriba Ring Road project and appealed to the governor to extend road asphalting to areas previously developed through community self-help initiatives using rigid concrete pavement.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, disclosed that over 5,000 new voters had been registered in Abiriba through coordinated grassroots and diaspora-driven efforts.
He noted that the exercise covered rural settlements, markets, schools, and urban centres.
In his remarks, Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo described the visit as a demonstration of political unity and alignment between the community and the governor, adding that Abiriba youths and professionals, both at home and abroad, remain committed to supporting the administration.
Responding, Governor Otti expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a significant Easter gesture.
He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between his administration and the Abiriba community and commended their contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.
The governor noted that while individuals are free to pursue personal political ambitions, such decisions do not diminish the collective bond between his government and the community.
He assured the delegation that their requests on road infrastructure would be considered, particularly support for community-driven projects, and directed his Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, to liaise with the Commissioner for Works to assess the affected areas.
Otti also urged citizens to take advantage of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise and encouraged those residing outside the state to return home during elections to perform their civic duties.
The meeting was attended by top government officials and prominent Abiriba indigenes.
