Organised Labour and Civil Society Organisations in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have endorsed the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, popularly known as OFUJI, ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The stakeholders also pledged to deploy their grassroots structures across the constituency to mobilise support for Anyaso and the Labour Party.
Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso
The endorsement was made on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of Organised Labour, Civil Society Organisations and Anyaso at Toxydon Hotel and Suites, Umuagu Ibeku, Umuahia.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour stakeholders, Comrade Mayor Emeka Joseph Ugboaja, Head of Information, National Union of Electricity Employees, said the Labour Movement had decided to support one of its own.
Ugboaja recalled the contributions of the late Secretary-General of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, to the political project, saying the late labour leader had expressed support for Anyaso before his death.
He said the stakeholders had resolved to adopt Anyaso as their preferred candidate for the 2027 election.
“Today, we have done it that Dr. Chima Anyaso is the only candidate for the Organised Labour Movement and Civil Society, and all other structures should be collapsed in favour of OFUJI,” he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Chile Agubuche, representing the Office of the NLC General Secretary at Labour House, Abuja, said the Labour leadership had directed its structures in Bende to work for Anyaso’s victory.
He said the engagement was aimed at building a partnership that would promote effective representation, accountability and grassroots development.
Agubuche disclosed that the NLC General Secretary had directed Ugboaja to collapse his political structure in support of the Labour Party candidate.
He added that the Labour Stakeholders Forum had formally adopted Anyaso as its candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency election.
The Clerk of the Abia State House of Assembly, Comrade Promise Onwukwe, said the decision by Organised Labour to identify with Anyaso demonstrated the confidence stakeholders had in his capacity.
Onwukwe assured Anyaso of the support of workers in the state, saying the Labour Movement remained committed to supporting political participation that would promote the interests of workers and communities.
He also paid tribute to the late Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing his earlier support for Anyaso’s political project as significant.
Similarly, the Civil Society stakeholders pledged to mobilise their structures across Bende in support of the Labour Party candidate.
In an address presented by Comrade C. E. Achonye, Executive Director, Women in Politics Network, Abuja, the Civil Society representatives described the meeting as the beginning of a new phase of collaboration aimed at promoting accountability and people-oriented representation.
They cited Anyaso’s humanitarian activities, youth and women empowerment initiatives, community development projects and philanthropy through the Cedes Foundation as evidence of his commitment to public service.
The group pledged to sensitise voters, mobilise members and encourage active participation in the 2027 electoral process.
Responding, Anyaso thanked the Labour and Civil Society stakeholders for their endorsement, describing the gathering as historic.
He expressed regret that the late Emmanuel Ugboaja could not witness the occasion, recalling his contribution to the political project.
Anyaso said the convergence of Organised Labour and Civil Society behind his candidacy was a demonstration of the confidence reposed in him.
He also commended the Labour Movement for its support for Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and assured the stakeholders that he would justify their confidence if elected.
“I assure you that I will not let the Labour Union down. The same way our Governor has performed in Abia State, that is the same way I will perform in Bende,” he said.
