A significant political development has emerged in Bende Federal Constituency as the Forum of Former Elected Councillors of Bende Local Government Area (1999–2022) has formally adopted Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso as its consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after what the group described as extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders, and opinion moulders across the constituency. The forum, comprising grassroots leaders who served between 1999 and 2022, said its resolution was driven by a commitment to good governance, equity, and quality representation.
Central to the communiqué was a strong reaffirmation of the zoning principle guiding political offices in Bende Federal Constituency. The group emphasized that the arrangement—designed by the constituency’s founding fathers—ensures fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful power rotation between Bende South (Ikwuisii) and Bende North (Umunna).
According to the forum, it is now the turn of Bende North (Umunna) to produce the next member of the House of Representatives in 2027. The councillors noted that Bende South has completed two tenures through the incumbent lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whose tenure is expected to conclude in June 2027.
“In the interest of equity and continuity of the zoning arrangement, all political parties should zone their House of Representatives tickets to Bende North,” the communiqué stated.
The forum further explained that its adoption of Dr. Anyaso aligns with an earlier endorsement by the Association of Former Elected Councillors of Abia State. It described him as a widely accepted grassroots figure whose philanthropic activities and empowerment initiatives have positively impacted communities across Bende.
Beyond the House of Representatives race, the group also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for settling outstanding entitlements owed to former councillors by previous administrations. The forum described the move as a demonstration of responsive leadership and commitment to justice.
The councillors pledged their full support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027, citing ongoing developmental strides and governance reforms in the state. They also announced a strategic political alignment between their “Otti or Nothing” mantra and Dr. Anyaso’s “Otti Again 2027” movement, aimed at securing decisive victories in the next general elections.
Reaffirming their position as grassroots representatives of their various wards, the forum called on the people of Bende to uphold unity, fairness, and respect for the zoning principle. They stressed that adherence to the established power-sharing arrangement remains essential for political stability and cohesion within the constituency.
The communiqué was jointly signed by members of the Forum of Former Elected Councillors of Bende LGA, marking a coordinated endorsement that could shape political dynamics in the constituency ahead of 2027.
