2027: Emetu Rallies Transport Unions, Artisans for Massive Voter Mobilisation in Abia
Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has charged transport unions, artisans, and allied groups across the state to intensify voter mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to expand their support base and ensure full participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Speaking on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting convened by the Abia State Government at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Umuahia, Emetu said the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to sustained collaboration with grassroots groups as part of efforts to deepen democratic participation and consolidate good governance in the state.
The meeting brought together leaders and executives of motor unions, ASTOPU (Keke), ASMOPO (Okada), the Nigerian Association of Technicians Automobile, Amalgamated Tyre Union, Ovom Mechanic Cluster, and other artisan associations.
The Deputy Governor expressed appreciation for the support already received from the unions, describing the gathering as part of the government’s continuing engagement strategy.
He urged the groups to increase their level of commitment and ensure that all members are properly captured within their various structures within four weeks.
According to him, the mobilisation campaign should extend beyond union members to families, communities, and market groups to strengthen voter participation across the state.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Peter Azubuike, stressed the importance of obtaining Permanent Voter Cards, noting that no citizen can participate in elections without registration.
He encouraged union members to identify with the Labour Party, which he described as a platform committed to protecting workers’ interests and expanding economic opportunities.
Azubuike highlighted the administration’s achievements, particularly in road infrastructure, and called on stakeholders to take ownership of the mobilisation process.
In his remarks, Chief Uche Wogu of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force said the government’s development efforts had been made possible through community cooperation and collective support.
He urged the unions to strengthen their membership drives and take the voter awareness campaign to marketplaces and communities.
The State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Azodu Chukwuma, popularly known as China, called for immediate implementation of resolutions reached at the meeting and directed union leaders to commence mobilisation activities without delay.
The state government said the engagement forms part of a broader strategy to promote active citizen participation, strengthen grassroots support, and position Abia as a model of good governance, with transport unions and artisan groups serving as critical partners in policy implementation and electoral participation.
