The Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union, a socio-political and cultural bloc encompassing nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, has unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, declaring him its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The endorsement took place during a strategic stakeholders' meeting held in Aba on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as political activities for the 2027 elections gain momentum across the state.
Meeting Theme and Attendees
The meeting, themed “Shared Prosperity: Our Role in the Continuous Development of Abia State,” brought together prominent sons and daughters of Ukwa La Ngwa land, including political leaders, lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, women and youth leaders, labour representatives, academics, civil society organisations, and diaspora stakeholders. The gathering was presided over by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, who represents Aba South State Constituency. Also in attendance was the leader of the Ukwa La Ngwa Nation, Chief Theo Nkire, alongside members of the National and State Assemblies, government appointees, and other influential stakeholders from the region.
Review of Governor Otti's Performance
The meeting reviewed issues related to the welfare, unity, and political future of the Ukwa La Ngwa people, while also assessing the performance of Governor Otti's administration since he assumed office. Participants received reports from the steering committee that organised the grand civic reception held in honour of Governor Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on January 30, 2026. The union acknowledged what it described as the governor's appreciation to the Ukwa La Ngwa people, conveyed through his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, whom the gathering described as “an outstanding son of Ukwa La Ngwa.”
Unanimous Endorsement
At the end of deliberations, the group passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Otti and formally adopted him as the sole governorship candidate of the Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union for the 2027 election. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the union declared: “We hereby endorse and adopt His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, as the sole candidate of Ukwa La Ngwa-Aba Union for the 2027 Abia State governorship election.” The group also pledged total mobilisation across the nine local government areas within the Ukwa La Ngwa bloc to ensure Otti's re-election. “We wholeheartedly commit ourselves to mobilising our people across all nine LGAs of Ukwa La Ngwa land to ensure a resounding victory for our son, Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party in 2027,” the communiqué stated.
Commitment to Unity and Development
The union reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and sustained development in Abia State, while urging all Ukwa La Ngwa sons and daughters to close ranks in support of the governor. “We call on all sons and daughters of Ukwa La Ngwa to unite and work for the continuity of the good governance currently being experienced under Governor Alex Otti,” the statement added. The group recalled that during the governor's grand civic reception earlier this year, it resolved to raise N100 million for the purchase of Otti's expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Achievements Recognised
The union commended the governor for what it described as visible achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, civil service reforms, and restoration of public confidence in governance. According to the stakeholders, Otti's administration has demonstrated that transparent and purposeful leadership can transform the fortunes of a state. In the communiqué jointly signed by Chief Theo Nkire and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the union directed all Ukwa La Ngwa political leaders and stakeholders to begin grassroots mobilisation across wards and local government areas to secure Otti's re-election. “Governor Alex Otti deserves the full support of Ndi Ukwa La Ngwa to complete the transformational mandate entrusted to him by the people,” the union declared.
