Former elected councillors in Abia State have endorsed businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, as their consensus candidate for the Bende Federal House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced today at Igbere, Bende Local Government Area (LGA), Abia state, where he played host to former councillors. The group also reaffirmed its support for the re-election of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the state coordinator and leader of the former councillors, Hon. Tony Agbayim, said Anyaso, popularly known as “Ofuji,” had consistently empowered people in Abia even without holding any public office.
According to him, the councillors believed that Anyaso’s track record of support for communities would only be strengthened if he occupies a political office.
He noted that the former councillors, many of whom served between 1999 and 2002, were united in their decision to support Anyaso’s aspiration to represent Bende Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
“We are with you 100 per cent. We will campaign and ensure you win the 2027 election,” he said.
The group also commended Governor Otti for his performance in office, describing his administration as one that has restored hope and good governance in the state.
They pledged to mobilise voters across Abia to support both Otti and Anyaso in the 2027 elections.
“We will use everything at our disposal to send Anyaso to Abuja and return Governor Otti to Government House in 2027,” the coordinator added.
Responding, Anyaso expressed appreciation to the former councillors for their confidence in him and their endorsement.
He lauded Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, saying the administration had brought renewed hope and development to the people of Abia.
Dr. Anyaso also thanked the governor for clearing outstanding arrears owed to former elected councillors, noting that many had endured years of unpaid entitlements under previous administrations.
He apologised on behalf of past governments for the hardship experienced by some councillors, including those who reportedly lost their lives while waiting for their benefits.
He urged the councillors and the people of Abia to continue supporting Governor Otti to sustain ongoing reforms and development across the state.
According to him, the level of development being witnessed in Abia under Gov. Alex Otti’s administration in less than three years is unprecedented since the state’s creation in 1991.
“Our state deserves people of integrity in public office. We must ensure that credible individuals are elected to represent the people,” Anyaso said.
He formally declared his intention to contest the Bende Federal House of Representatives seat in 2027, stressing that the time had come for him to represent the constituency.
Anyaso also called for stronger collaboration among political structures supporting the governor, including the “Otti Again 2027” and “Otti or Nothing 2027” groups, to ensure Otti’s re-election.
“I respected the principle of equity in 2023 and did not run, but in 2027 we are ready and equipped to represent our people at the National Assembly,” he said.
The motion to adopt Anyaso as the consensus candidate for Bende Federal Constituency was moved by the Coordinator of Former Councillors in Bende Local Government Area, Hon. Godwin Uchenna Ndom, and seconded by Hon. Prince Kanu.
The motion was unanimously ratified by members of the group, who also reaffirmed Governor Otti as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
