The Abia Arise Movement in Aba North Local Government Area on Monday, August 3, 2026, demonstrated its growing grassroots strength as it staged a massive rally in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, to reaffirm unwavering support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The colourful rally attracted thousands of party faithful, supporters and residents who marched through major streets across the city carrying banners and placards while singing solidarity songs in support of Governor Otti’s administration. The procession eventually converged at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, where political leaders, stakeholders and coordinators of the movement addressed the enthusiastic crowd.
One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling of polling unit heads across every polling unit in Aba North Local Government Area by the Executive Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke.
Addressing the jubilant gathering, the Mayor described the initiative as a strategic step aimed at deepening grassroots mobilisation and strengthening the movement’s political structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Hon. Iheke explained that the newly unveiled structure would comprise members drawn from all pro-groups alongside the Labour Party, while emphasizing that the polling unit heads would be core members of the Abia Arise Movement who have remained steadfast and loyal to Governor Alex Otti from the very beginning of the movement.
According to the Mayor, the carefully selected leadership structure would eliminate excuses, improve coordination at the grassroots and ensure that every polling unit remains fully active, organised and prepared for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was greeted with loud applause and excitement from supporters, many of whom described the initiative as another significant milestone in consolidating the grassroots strength and political machinery of the Abia Arise Movement in Aba North.
Speaking during the rally, the State Chairman of Abia Arise Movement, Mazi Nkem Okoro, commended the organisers for successfully mobilising thousands of supporters for the event. He stated that Governor Alex Otti’s performance over the past three years had earned him overwhelming public support for a second term to consolidate on the developmental achievements of his administration.
Mazi Okoro pointed to the administration’s extensive road infrastructure projects and numerous developmental initiatives as clear evidence of effective governance. He urged members of the Labour Party to remain united and committed to sustaining the achievements already recorded under the present administration.
The State Coordinator also described Abia Arise as the recognised grassroots mobilisation structure of the Labour Party in Abia State, stressing that the movement complements the activities of the party while strengthening its grassroots presence across the state.
He further urged all Labour Party candidates to collapse their individual political structures into Abia Arise in order to promote unity, strengthen the party and maximise electoral success, adding that the movement remains committed to mobilising support for all Labour Party candidates.
In their separate remarks, the member representing Aba North State Constituency, Hon. Stephen Ucheonye; the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Anyanwu; the Deputy Mayor of Aba North LGA, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi; the Abia Arise Stakeholders Chairman for Aba North, Hon. Chief Geoffrey Ike Nwaticha; and party leader, Dr. Ogbonnaya Nwokocha Eze, reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of the Abia Arise Movement and pledged to sustain grassroots mobilisation in support of Governor Otti’s re-election.
They attributed their confidence to what they described as the Governor’s remarkable achievements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development, while insisting that their collective mandate remains ensuring the success of all Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Aba North Coordinator of Abia Arise, Ambassador Kenneth Emelike, said the rally was organised to express the appreciation of the people for Governor Alex Otti’s purposeful leadership and to reaffirm their commitment to supporting his re-election in 2027.
According to Emelike, Governor Otti’s developmental strides have transformed the state’s commercial hub and restored public confidence in governance. He noted that Aba has witnessed remarkable improvements under the present administration through road reconstruction, improved public services and people-oriented policies designed to improve the welfare of residents.
“We are gathered here under a simple yet unshakable truth: that the good work which our zealous Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has commenced in our land must continue uninterrupted.
“We gather under the banner of Abia Arise not just to make noise, but to celebrate a radical departure from the dark past into an era of tangible infrastructural renewal. We are here to celebrate a Governor who has done so much for the state,” Emelike said.
He further explained that the theme, “The Governor’s 2027 Return Is Sacrosanct,” reflects the collective conviction of Abia residents who believe Governor Otti has delivered impactful governance within a relatively short period in office.
Emelike maintained that the ongoing rehabilitation of roads, improved electricity supply in parts of the state, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and several other developmental initiatives remain clear evidence of the administration’s purposeful leadership and development-driven agenda.
“This rally is a testament that when a government works for the people, the people rise in unison to protect and sustain that vision,” Emelike said.
He charged members of Abia Arise across the twelve wards of Aba North to intensify grassroots mobilisation and sustain support for the Governor’s development agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Also speaking, coordinators of various Abia Arise wards in Aba North, including Mr. Ukonu Okorie (Ward 1), Mr. Marcel Mbama (Ward 3), Mr. Chinedu Nnadi (Ward 11), Mr. Nwokoma Chukwudi (Ward 12), and the Coordinator of the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Chapter of Abia Arise, Dr. Fijoh Kalu Ume, unanimously declared support for Governor Otti’s second-term bid.
They maintained that the administration has delivered tangible dividends of democracy across the state and highlighted several achievements, including the reconstruction of major roads in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of Abia, urban renewal projects, rehabilitation of schools and healthcare facilities, establishment of Smart Schools, the Light Up Abia initiative, Operation Crush, the ongoing development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, youth empowerment programmes, agricultural support schemes, public finance reforms, environmental sanitation initiatives and strategic investments aimed at attracting local and foreign investors.
The ward coordinators pledged to intensify mobilisation within their respective communities to ensure Governor Otti secures another mandate in 2027, noting that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate its development programmes for the benefit of the people.
Adding colour and excitement to the event were captivating drama presentations by the women wing of Abia Arise Aba North as well as an impressive march past, which brought the successful mega rally to a memorable conclusion.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the House of Assembly candidate for Aba North, Mrs. Ijeoma Florence Ehuchie; the Abia State Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party, Apostle Eucharia Nkeiruka Ibe; the Abia State Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nkiruka Olivia Ukaonu; as well as members of the State Working Committee of the Abia Arise Movement.
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