2027: ASMATA INTENSIFIES PVC CAMPAIGN FOR OTTI’S RE-ELECTION
The President General of the Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Hon. Chief Alphonsus E. Udeigbo, has called on traders and the entire business community in the state to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to support the re-election of the performing Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), in the 2027 governorship election.
The popular, amiable, eloquent, indefatigable and quintessential ASMATA boss described the PVC as a sine qua non for re-electing Governor Otti, stressing that the association would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all traders of voting age in the state obtain their PVCs ahead of the election.
He explained that the move forms part of the early preparations by the umbrella body of traders in Abia State to consolidate their support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 polls.
According to him, the target would be achieved through widespread voter mobilization and increased participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Hon. Chief Udeigbo stressed the importance of ensuring that eligible voters across all markets in Abia State are duly registered and prepared to participate actively in the 2027 election.
He made this known during an emergency meeting between the leadership of ASMATA and the chairmen and secretaries of various market associations in Abia State, held with the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, at Enitona Hotels, Aba, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
During deliberations on strategies to effectively sensitize the business community and traders across the state on the importance of PVCs, Hon. Chief Udeigbo noted that many traders had already obtained their PVCs on their own.
He, however, assured that ASMATA under his leadership would ensure that voter registration centres are brought closer to the markets to guarantee full participation by all eligible traders.
He also proposed the constitution of a committee that would design and implement mobilization strategies aimed at increasing voter registration by visiting markets across the state.
The ASMATA President General maintained that markets remain a stronghold of the governor, adding that efforts would be intensified to sustain that position.
According to him, the mobilization plan includes grassroots engagement, voter education, and coordinated participation in electoral processes leading up to the 2027 governorship election.
Hon. Chief Udeigbo also highlighted the monumental achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, describing them as key factors that would influence voters’ decisions during the election.
He expressed strong optimism that the governor would sweep the polls, maintaining that his outstanding performance and the overwhelming support of Abians place him in a strong position ahead of the election.
In her address, the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, who was represented by the Director of Commerce, Mrs. Uchenna Precious Añumadu, described the re-election of Governor Alex Otti as very significant to the traders, in particular and the entire people of Abia State.
She urged ASMATA and other market leaders to sensitize traders on the importance of obtaining their PVCs in order to actively participate in the electoral process and support the governor’s re-election.
She also enjoined them to speak with one voice and work with unity of purpose to achieve their collective objective.
Dr. Obiukwu further advised traders to register at polling units closest to them to make it easier for them to access their voting centres on election day.
She expressed confidence in the preparedness of traders across the state, urging them to remain united and focused to ensure proper coordination and effective outreach ahead of the election.
She noted that the visible developmental strides of the governor across different parts of the state have strengthened the resolve of traders to support his re-election.
According to her, the era when people believed their votes did not count is over.
She assured them that this time around their votes would count, adding that Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every legitimate vote is protected.
Contributing during the meeting, the ASMATA Treasurer and immediate past Chairman of Ngwa Road Market Traders Association (NGWAMATA), Elder Dr. Uchechukwu Anyanwu, popularly known as “Onye Eze,” expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.
Dr. Anyanwu who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UNAC Ventures (Nig.) Ltd stated that traders across the state are determined to deliver Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 election.
He urged traders who have not yet obtained their PVCs to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that the PVC remains their power to re-elect the governor.
Elder Anyanwu also appealed to the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce to liaise with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bring voter registration centres closer to the markets so that more traders could easily register.
On his part, the Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, Comrade Emeka Okeke, commended the leadership of ASMATA and the Office of the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce for the meeting, which he described as timely and apt.
He stated that Governor Alex Otti has no rival, adding that traders are only waiting for 2027 to re-elect him and enable him continue his good works in Abia State.
Comrade Okeke disclosed that since the beginning of 2026, he has intensified sensitization efforts at Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, encouraging traders to obtain their PVCs.
He added that with the ongoing ward-to-ward voter registration exercise by INEC, he has repeatedly announced the exercise within the market to encourage those yet to obtain their PVCs to do so.
According to him, he has also held meetings with zonal chairmen within the market to ensure that every trader at Ekeoha Shopping Centre possesses a PVC.
He expressed satisfaction that a large number of traders in the market have already obtained their voter cards.
The meeting was a huge success and marked the beginning of activities and strategies by traders aimed at securing another term for the incumbent governor in 2027.
