The Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union, the apex socio-political and cultural organisation of the Ukwa La Ngwa people of Abia State, has endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term.
The group pledged to mobilise not only across the nine local government areas of Ukwa La Ngwa land, but also at state level to ensure his re-election in 2027 and the consolidation of what it described as good governance.
The endorsement was contained in a communique issued at the end of the union’s general meeting held in Aba.
The meeting was held under the theme “Shared Prosperity: Our Role in the Continuous Development of Abia State.”
The communique was signed by Chief Theo Nkire, Leader of the Ukwa La Ngwa Nation, and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and President of the Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union.
The gathering drew prominent sons and daughters of Ukwa La Ngwa extraction from across the state and the diaspora.
In attendance were members of the Abia State and National Assembly, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, academics, trade union leaders, civil society groups, government appointees, religious leaders, and student bodies.
The union commended Otti through his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who was also present at the meeting, for prudent management of resources and the execution of people-oriented projects across the state.
Projects highlighted include the rehabilitation of social amenities, construction of modern bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, extensive road works, and the establishment of smart schools and modern hospitals.
The union said the initiatives had improved public services and infrastructure across Abia.
The group also applauded ongoing efforts toward the creation of Aba State, acknowledging the contributions of the Aba Union, the Aba State Creation Movement, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and the governor in advancing the process at the National Assembly.
On governance and the economy, the union noted challenges posed by inflation, youth unemployment, and insecurity.
It urged the state government to intensify support for agriculture, small and medium enterprises, and the Aba industrial cluster to cushion the impact on households and businesses.
The union commended the administration’s improvements in internally generated revenue and the digitised tax collection system, which it said had curbed multiple taxation, reduced harassment by touts, and blocked financial leakages.
Politically, the union passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Otti, citing visible achievements in infrastructure, education, health, and civil service reform.
It appealed to all Ukwa La Ngwa indigenes not to contest the 2027 governorship election against the governor and urged aspirants from other parties to step down in support of a single Ukwa La Ngwa candidate.
The union expressed gratitude to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee and National Executive Council for granting Otti a free nomination form for the 2027 election.
It described the gesture as recognition of his performance, integrity, and role in stabilising the party and advancing Abia’s interests at the national level.
Concluding, the Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union formally adopted Otti as its sole candidate for the 2027 Abia State governorship election.
The group called on all Ukwa La Ngwa people to close ranks, uphold unity, and work collectively to sustain the administration’s progress.
