Critical stakeholders in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has distanced themselves from a recent communiqué purportedly issued in the name of the ‘Bende Forum’, insisting that the forum no longer exists and has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and presented by Chief Ukwu “Rocks” Emma, a former Chairman of Bende Local Government Area and former Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of the group.
Reading the communiqué, Chief Emma alleged that some individuals were “impersonating and usurping the good name of our defunct collective union, Bende Forum, to pursue self-serving and parochial agendas.”
According to the communiqué, the original Bende Forum was established as a platform to promote the collective interest and unity of the Bende people.
“Bende Forum was a platform for the expression of Bende interests that did not pander to the whims and caprices of individuals,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders explained that the forum was formed during the administration of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, with Chief Emma Omokwe serving as Chairman and Chief P.C. Mba as Secretary. It comprised commissioners, advisers, elected officials, political appointees and elders from across Bende.
They recalled that an attempt to revive the forum during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji, under the leadership of late Chief B.A. Mmeregini, later collapsed due to political disagreements.
Questioning the authenticity of recent claims made in the name of the forum, the communiqué asked:
“Which Bende Forum? The one led by B.A. Mmeregini or a phantom one? A Bende Forum without the original members and leaders as gathered here? We take exception to this impersonation.”
The stakeholders also dissociated themselves from a communiqué reportedly read by Hon. P.C. Mba, describing it as a personal position that did not represent the collective decision of Bende stakeholders.
“That so-called communiqué read out by our brother Hon. P.C. Mba and using our collective patrimony was in bad taste and we disassociate ourselves from it. No Bende Forum has adopted Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu or any other candidate,” the communiqué declared.
On the controversy surrounding zoning, the stakeholders maintained that every qualified aspirant should be allowed to contest for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.
“We hereby encourage anybody who wishes to serve Bende or wishes to continue occupying the seat of Bende to march forward with their credentials,” the communiqué added.
Calling for unity among the people of Bende, the stakeholders urged political leaders to avoid actions capable of creating division.
“Enough of bickerings and dwelling on things that can only divide us. Bende is one. We call on all who mean well for Bende to come together to have a genuine, united and renewed Bende Forum. Until this is agreed on and constituted, let nobody impersonate Bende Forum or put words in our mouths again.”
The communiqué concluded by urging members of the public to disregard statements issued in the name of the Bende Forum until a properly constituted body is established, while expressing hope for peaceful, credible and issue-based political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area Hon Deacon Uwabunkonye Bassey said he convened the meeting as the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area for the world to see that the purported communique did not reflect the views of the Leaders of Bende Local Government Area.
The Meeting had in attendance members of Different Political Parties in Bende including APC, PDP, LP and ADC.
