The Association of Former Elected Councillors of Abia State (1999–2022) have pledged to mobilise support for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election in 2027, attributing its decision to the Governor’s intervention in the payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to its members by previous administrations.
The Association, led by its chairman, Hon. Tony Agbanyim, made the pledge on Thursday during a thank-you visit to the Governor at Government House, Umuahia.
Speaking on behalf of the members, Agbanyim recalled that following their meeting with Governor Otti on February 15, 2026, the Governor approved the commencement of payments, which began on March 8, 2026.
He described the intervention as an act of compassion and fairness, saying it had brought relief to former councillors who had endured financial difficulties, medical expenses and other pressing obligations.
He acknowledged that some members were yet to receive their entitlements but expressed confidence that the outstanding payments would be settled
“The Governor could have told us to go to hell because many of us served under another political party, but he chose to act like a father, a brother and a Christian.
“He made it clear that the payments were not because we belonged to his political party, but because it was the right thing to do”, Agbanyim said.
He said the Association, comprising former Councillors who served under different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, had resolved to support Governor Otti’s re-election.
According to him, members would leverage their respective ward and grassroots structures to mobilise support for the Governor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“We are here to reaffirm that we have not reneged on the promise we made to Governor Alex Otti. Across our various wards, we are committed to working for his re-election in 2027.
“We are also asking to be integrated into the campaign structure and mobilised to contribute meaningfully to the campaign”, he said.
Responding, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, assured the Association that outstanding payments would be addressed, explaining that the exercise was being implemented in batches in line with the state’s financial management framework.
Ajagba, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, said the Otti led administration remains committed to honouring its obligations, including outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave allowances.
He urged members yet to receive their entitlements to remain patient, assuring them that arrangements were being made to accommodate all beneficiaries.
“His Excellency does not make promises and go back on them. For those who have not received their payments, be rest assured that you will receive them.
“The payments are coming in batches, and the process is being structured into the state’s cash flow to ensure that these obligations are met without undermining ongoing development and the proper administration of the state”, he said.
On the Association’s request for inclusion in the 2027 campaign structure, the Chief of Staff said its members’ political experience and grassroots networks would be valuable to the process.
He, however, urged those still affiliated with other political parties to formally identify with the Labour Party, stressing the importance of working together within a common political structure.
Ajagba also assured the delegation that its request for mobilisation and participation in the campaign would be conveyed to the governor for consideration, adding that the former councillors would not be sidelined.
