Persons with disabilities in Abia State have declared their support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general election, following the distribution of 85 wheelchairs to persons living with spinal cord injuries.
The wheelchairs were distributed on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, by the Abia State Disability Commission.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, commended Governor Otti for prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state. He noted that the gesture was not the first of its kind, stressing that the governor has consistently demonstrated commitment to improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Anyaele said Governor Otti had issued clear directives to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the inclusion and welfare of persons with disabilities, enabling them to live comfortably and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
He advised beneficiaries to handle the wheelchairs with care, noting that with proper maintenance they could last up to five years. He also disclosed that provisions had been made to ensure persons with disabilities could access the newly introduced electric buses in the state.
According to him, the Abia State Disability Law would soon be fully implemented, assuring that the state government and the commission were prepared to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. He added that Governor Otti had also promised to provide access facilities in all high-rise buildings and public infrastructure to be constructed by his administration, in line with the policy of total inclusion.
Mr. Anyaele therefore urged members of disability associations to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to support and re-elect Governor Otti in 2027.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the Association of Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries, Mr. David Onuoha, expressed gratitude to the state government and the Abia State Disability Commission for providing the wheelchairs and prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Onuoha described the current administration in Abia State as responsive and inclusive, stating that persons with disabilities had never had it so good.
He called on all physically challenged persons in the state to mobilise support for Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027 to ensure continuity of the administration’s inclusive policies.
The highlight of the event was the formal distribution of wheelchairs to selected beneficiaries..
