2nd Term: Alex Otti Receives Old Bende Elders, Vows to Continue with ‘New Abia Project’

Governor Alex Otti warmly received a high-powered delegation of Old Bende stakeholders at the Government House on Tuesday, embracing their resounding endorsement for his 2027 re-election bid and vowing to advance his “New Abia Project” into a transformative second phase focused on economic revitalization.

The delegation, led by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, presented a formal communique from the Old Bende Progressive Union, which had unanimously backed Otti’s leadership during a pivotal meeting in Aba just a day earlier.

Governor Otti, visibly moved by the show of support, described the communique as “a validation of our shared vision” and emphasized his dual heritage as both an Old Bende son and Aba Ngwa descendant. “The dignity of our people is being restored,” he declared. “Once we retrieve our state completely and prove good governance is possible here, it becomes unthinkable to return to Egypt [past failures].” He revealed that his administration is transitioning from infrastructure revival—the “first phase” of his promises—to steering Abia’s economy toward job creation, industrial resurgence, and leveraging Aba’s legendary entrepreneurial spirit.

Hon. Ikwechegh, instrumental in convening the Old Bende stakeholders, presented the communique signed by 54 traditional rulers, community leaders, and industrialists, including HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe (Chairman, Old Bende Traditional Rulers Council) and DIG Azubuike Udah (rtd.) (Chairman, Old Bende Progressive Union). The document lauded Otti’s “transformational projects” such as the Abia International Airport, Seaport, Stadium City, and Industrial Park, alongside critical road rehabilitations like Port-Harcourt Road (Aba) and Umuahia-Abriba Road.

It also highlighted his fiscal responsibility in clearing salary/pension arrears and reviving healthcare institutions like General Hospital Aba .

“The Governor has justified our trust,” Ikwechegh stated, echoing the communique. “In just two years, he transformed Abia from Nigeria’s worst state to a reference point for governance. We affirm: there is no vacancy in Government House from 2027 to 2031” . The delegation further announced plans for a “grand reception” in Aba to honor Otti, symbolizing grassroots gratitude for projects such as the upcoming Medical City and agro-logistics hubs .

In his response, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to equitable development, citing technical—not political—decision-making in projects like the Nsulu airport. He also disclosed compensation had been fully paid to affected landowners . The Governor concluded by welcoming defectors from opposition parties into the Labour Party fold, signaling consolidating support for his economic vision .

With Old Bende’s nine LGAs—a crucial political bloc—now mobilizing for Otti’s 2027 bid, Abia’s governance trajectory appears firmly hitched to his pledge: “to ensure this state never returns to Egypt”.