The New Bende Forum has endorsed Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for a second term and adopted Labour Party candidate, Dr Chima Anyaso, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 Bende Federal Constituency election.
The forum also rejected third-term bids for elective positions in Bende, citing equity, fairness and progress as principles that should guide political representation in the area.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The meeting brought together political leaders, community stakeholders and government appointees to deliberate on governance, political representation and the future of Bende ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Governor Otti’s re-election bid, the forum declared support for his administration to continue until 2031, arguing that the state’s current development trajectory should be sustained.
“Abia State has never had it so good. This good governance must continue in Abia,” the communiqué stated.
The group described itself as a collective political platform for the people of Bende, saying its reorganisation as Bende Forum – New Abia was aimed at strengthening unity, promoting development and restoring the area’s voice in political affairs.
On the Bende Federal Constituency seat, the forum said it had assessed the backgrounds, antecedents and credentials of the contenders before adopting Anyaso, whom it considered suitable to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The endorsement received support from political stakeholders across party lines.
Chief Nduaka Nworisara, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, moved the motion urging Bende stakeholders to rally behind Anyaso, while APC chieftain, Ezeogo Anyim Eke, seconded it.
Eke said his party had expressed support for the House of Representatives seat to return to Bende North and called on stakeholders to support Anyaso. The motion was reportedly adopted unanimously.
The forum’s rejection of third-term bids was another major resolution of the meeting. It said the position applied to elective seats in both the Abia State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.
The group maintained that political decisions should reflect fairness and equitable opportunities, urging Bende people to consider these principles when choosing their representatives in 2027.
However, the communiqué did not identify the individuals directly affected by the resolution or explain how the position would apply to the constitutional eligibility rules governing re-election.
New Leadership Unveiled
The meeting also announced a new leadership structure for Bende Forum – New Abia, following efforts to reorganise the group as a common platform for political engagement and community development.
The Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Uwabunkonye Bassey, said the gathering brought together stakeholders from across the area to establish a renewed platform for collective decision-making.
He explained that the initiative was intended to build on the legacy of the former Bende Forum while strengthening the area’s participation in political affairs.
Hon. Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma was named chairman, with Okechukwu Dike as deputy chairman and Chief Nduaka Nworisara as secretary.
Other appointments include Obike Mascot as organising secretary, Ferdinand Ekeoma as director of publicity, Dr Mrs Nnaoma Thompson as women leader and Ezeogo Anyim Eke as youth leader. Chief Emeka Charles Kalu, popularly known as ECK, was unveiled as grand patron.
Speaking after his emergence, Emma said the reconstituted forum would restore Bende’s collective voice and provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the area and Abia State.
He stressed the need for unity and equal opportunities in political participation, adding that the forum would work towards implementing decisions reached collectively by its members.
The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. David Anyaele, also expressed support for the initiative, saying the forum would help maintain unity among Bende stakeholders and promote respect for collective decisions.
Otti’s Second-Term Bid Receives Additional Support
At the meeting, Hon. Marshal Okorie of Ugwueke moved a motion endorsing Governor Otti for a second term, while Hon. Godwin Ndom of Itumbauzor seconded it.
The motion was put to a voice vote by Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, who represents Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, and was affirmed by the gathering.
Several government appointees attended the meeting, including Ferdinand Ekeoma, Onyi Nwosu, Director-General of Monitoring and Evaluation, Deputy Mayor Ngozi Sandra Anya and Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, among others.
The forum said its resolutions reflected its position on governance, political representation and tenure in elective office, urging the people of Bende to make their political choices in 2027 with equity, fairness and progress as guiding principles.
