ABIA ARISE ABA NORTH STAGES MEGA RALLY, VOWS TO DELIVER OTTI, LP CANDIDATES IN 2027
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, the Abia State Labour Party’s support group, Abia Arise, has intensified its mobilization efforts for the re-election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), declaring that his re-election is sacrosanct.
In a show of strength and solidarity, the Aba North chapter of the group on Monday, August 3, 2026, organized a mega rally with the theme, “Governor Otti’s Re-election is Sacrosanct”, attracting thousands of supporters, party faithful, stakeholders and community leaders from across the 12 wards of Aba North Local Government Area including the four chapters of the group comprising Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Ariaria International Market, Ochendo Shoe and Bags Market and Uratta Market.
The rally began with simultaneous assemblies at strategic locations across Aba, including Brass Junction, Opobo Junction, Bata Junction, Samek Junction and BTC, from where participants marched to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, venue of the event.
The programme featured an opening prayer, the rendition of the national, Abia State and Abia Arise anthems, presentation of kola nuts, cultural displays, drama performances, a march-past by the women’s wing of Abia Arise, Aba North LGA and goodwill messages from political leaders, stakeholders and other guests.
In his welcome address, the Coordinator of Abia Arise in Aba North LGA, Ambassador Kenneth Onyekachi Emelike, described the rally as historic and expressed appreciation to stakeholders, community leaders and members for turning out in large numbers.
He said the gathering was convened to demonstrate the unwavering support of Aba North for Governor Otti and to affirm that the governor’s ongoing developmental strides should continue after 2027.
According to him, Abia had witnessed a remarkable transformation under the present administration, particularly in infrastructure renewal, improved road networks, workers’ welfare and the revitalization of commercial activities in Aba.
Emelike maintained that the rally represented the collective resolve of the people to sustain the ongoing transformation in the state. He urged members across the twelve wards to remain united, intensify grassroots mobilization and ensure that Governor Otti’s developmental vision continued uninterrupted.
Delivering the keynote address, the State Chairman of Abia Arise, Mazi Nkem Okoro, described the group as a complementary structure to the Labour Party, explaining that it existed to strengthen the party wherever necessary.
He stated that Abia Arise remained the support structure officially recognized by Governor Otti alongside the Onugu Women group, adding that all other support structures were expected to align with Abia Arise in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Okoro charged members to work towards delivering not only Governor Otti but also all Labour Party candidates contesting for the National Assembly and the Abia State House of Assembly.
Highlighting the achievements of the governor, he cited the ongoing construction of the Abia Airport at Nsulu, the proposed Inland Port at Owaza and the proposed stadium along Bende Road, expressing confidence that the projects would further elevate the state’s economic profile.
He argued that the governor’s performance had left the opposition with little to campaign against and expressed optimism that Governor Otti would secure another four-year mandate.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Aba North Stakeholders of Abia Arise, Barr. Geoffrey Ike (Nwaticha), and the State Deputy Chairman of the group, Mrs. Eucharia Ibe, commended members for their commitment and assured the gathering that Governor Otti and all Labour Party candidates would record overwhelming victories in the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Nwokeocha O. Eze, described the rally as a powerful demonstration of solidarity for a performing governor.
He recalled that Abia Arise had supported Governor Otti throughout his political journey since 2014 across different political platforms, including the PDP, APGA and APC until his eventual victory on the Labour Party platform.
He noted that the governor had since transformed the state through impactful governance and assured him of overwhelming support to earn him victory at the polls in 2027.
He also encouraged the leadership of Abia Arise to remain united and continue strengthening the organization.
The member representing Aba Central State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu, disclosed that he was among the founding members of Abia Arise in Aba South and attributed his political success partly to the organization.
He appreciated the leadership of the group for its continued support and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Abia, noting that the harmonious working relationship had contributed significantly to the achievements of the Otti administration.
He urged members to work collectively for the success of all Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The Executive Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, expressing confidence that all the party’s candidates would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.
He commended Governor Otti for providing quality leadership and inspiring renewed confidence among party supporters.
Similarly, the Deputy Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Chijioke Ogbuisi, expressed optimism that Labour Party candidates would win all available elective positions in the area during the next general election.
Speaking shortly afterwards, the Executive Mayor of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Iheke Kalu, thanked the leadership of Abia Arise for organizing the rally and described the governor as the symbol of the movement.
He explained that the event was designed to foster unity among members ahead of the political contests in 2027. Kalu announced that the chapter’s August meeting would hold on August 11, 2026 with the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
He further disclosed plans to establish leadership structures across all the polling units in Aba North to strengthen grassroots mobilization ahead of the elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of Abia Arise, Aba North LGA, Rev. Dr. Azu Kalu Oko, expressed appreciation to God for the successful outing and commended all coordinators, stakeholders, political office holders and members for their contributions.
He described Abia Arise as a formidable political movement and said the rally was organized to demonstrate the group’s numerical strength and reassure supporters of Governor Otti’s strong electoral prospects in 2027.
According to him, the governor’s achievements, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, improvements at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), the establishment of smart schools and other developmental projects, had earned him widespread public support.
He urged Abians to prioritize competence, performance and development above ethnic or sectional considerations while making electoral choices, insisting that Governor Otti’s impressive scorecard in office justified another mandate.
He also called on religious leaders to continue praying for the state while encouraging their members to participate actively in the electoral process.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Abia Arise, Ward 7 (Old GRA), Aba North LGA, Pastor Nwokeoma Emmanuel Chukwudi, said the rally was organized to showcase the governor’s achievements and reaffirm the group’s total support for his re-election.
He noted that the rehabilitation of major roads in Aba, including Port Harcourt Road, Azikiwe Road and Tenant Road, had significantly improved transportation and commercial activities, adding that residents were now enjoying the dividends of democracy. He expressed confidence that Governor Otti’s performance would earn him victory at the polls.
The rally attracted a large turnout of party faithful, political office holders, community leaders and supporters, including the State Chairman of Abia Arise, Mazi Nkem Okoro; the member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu; the Executive Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Iheke Kalu; the Executive Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu; Barr. Geoffrey Ike (Nwaticha); the Labour Party candidate for Aba North State Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Florence Ijeoma Ehuche; the Abia South Coordinator of Abia Arise, Mazi Charles Eke; Dr. Nwokeocha O. Eze; Hon. Onyekachi Udeaja (Mmiri Mara Ugo); Dr. Maduka Okoro; Dr. Fijoh Kalu Ome, Deputy Rector (Academics), Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Coordinator of Abia Arise in the institution; Mrs. Eucharia Ibe; Rev. Dr. Azu Kalu Oko; and the State Chairman of Echezona Street Vanguard for Dr. Alex Otti, Comrade Michael Chijioke Amaku (MC Boss), among others.
