KEY POINTS
- Ukwa La Ngwa donated ₦100m for Otti re-election bid.
- Funds will cover the governor’s 2027 nomination form.
- Endorsement reflects growing political support in Abia.
A socio-cultural group representing the Ukwa La Ngwa people of Abia State has donated ₦100 million to fund the purchase of the nomination form for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, said in a statement issued on Saturday that organisers announced the donation on Friday during a civic reception held in the governor’s honour at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
The move marks one of the earliest public financial endorsements of Otti’s second-term ambition and underscores growing political mobilisation around his administration, less than two years into his tenure.
Ukwa La Ngwa back Otti re-election bid
Emmanuel Emeruwa, chairman of the Ukwa La Ngwa Civic Reception Steering Committee and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, said the group collectively raised ₦100 million. He added that the donors were ready to contribute additional resources if required.
Addressing the gathering, Otti thanked the crowd for the reception and endorsement, describing the turnout as overwhelming. He said his administration remained focused on people-centred governance rather than partisan interests.
According to the governor, key infrastructure projects in Aba would continue to receive priority. He disclosed that authorities would commission Ovom Road on Feb. 25 and flag off reconstruction work the same day on the Enyimba Hotel, a five-star facility that Radisson Blu will manage.
“Our style is not to flag off and go home,” Otti said, adding that the hotel is expected to begin operations next year.
Political momentum builds around Otti re-election bid
Otti also urged residents to register for their Permanent Voter Cards, arguing that Aba’s population strength had yet to be reflected in voter turnout. He called on communities to take responsibility for security and environmental cleanliness.
Chairman of the occasion and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the event as a reflection of popular approval of the governor’s performance rather than a party rally. He warned against attempts to undermine the electorate’s will in 2027.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South, and Labour Party National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha said Otti’s record across sectors had earned him broad-based support. Earlier, Ukwa La Ngwa leader Chief Theo Nkire praised the governor’s impact on Aba’s commercial revival.
Traditional rulers from Ukwa La Ngwa pledged their backing at the event, which featured cultural displays and drew senior political figures from across the state.
