2027: ASMATA CONSTITUTES INEC REGISTRATION MONITORING COMMITTEE TO DRIVE PVC MOBILIZATION FOR OTTI’S RE-ELECTION

2027: ASMATA CONSTITUTES INEC REGISTRATION MONITORING COMMITTEE TO DRIVE PVC MOBILIZATION FOR OTTI’S RE-ELECTION 

The Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has constituted an ASMATA–INEC Registration Monitoring Committee as part of efforts to intensify the mobilization of traders and the business community across the state to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision followed a resolution reached at an emergency meeting between the leadership of ASMATA and the chairmen and secretaries of various market associations in Abia State.

The meeting, which was held with the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, took place at Enitona Hotels, Aba, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and focused on the need to effectively educate and enlighten traders on the importance of PVC registration and active participation in the electoral process.

The newly constituted committee has Elder Dr. Uchechukwu Anyanwu as Chairman, Hon. Ejike Urams as Vice Chairman, and Chukwujama Obinna as Secretary.

Other members of the committee include Hon. John Chukwuma Okoronkwo, Hon. Oluchi Zereuwa, Hon. Chief Mrs. Ezinne Ezim Nkechi, Ifeanyi Orji, and Hon. Akwarandu Anyim.

According to the mandate given to the committee, it is expected to liaise with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and facilitate their engagement with the ten markets already identified for the PVC registration and enlightenment programme.

The committee is also charged with monitoring markets across Abia State to ensure the effective implementation of the resolution that every trader should possess a valid PVC.

In addition, the committee will advise the leadership of ASMATA on the best approaches to improving PVC registration and participation among traders, identify other pressing needs within the markets during the course of the exercise, and make recommendations on possible solutions.

It is also expected to propose strategies that would strengthen and sustain compliance with PVC registration both now and beyond the 2027 general elections.

The committee is scheduled to be formally inaugurated at the ASMATA Head Office on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Meanwhile, the leadership of ASMATA under its President General, Hon. Chief Alphonsus E. Udeigbo, has expressed confidence in the ability of the committee members to effectively discharge their responsibilities and deliver on their mandate.

Chief Udeigbo noted that the members were carefully selected based on their wealth of experience and commitment to the progress of traders and the business community in the state.

He stressed the importance of unity, grassroots mobilization and strategic engagement as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to him, traders and the entire business community remain a formidable force to reckon with in Abia State politics, expressing optimism that with their enormous voting strength, the re-election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti in the 2027 election is a mission accomplished.

He further emphasized that the task ahead would require dedication, unity and collective commitment from all traders, noting that “all hands must be on deck” to ensure the success of the mobilization effort.