Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Arochukwu Development, Receives Decampees into Labour Party
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Arochukwu and other parts of Abia North through sustained investment in infrastructure and other sectors.
The Governor stated this on Friday, September 18, 2026, at a special political gathering at the Civic Centre, Arochukwu, in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Governor said the administration remained focused on building institutions, improving infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education, creating opportunities and laying the foundation for sustainable development in the state.
The Governor urged the people of Arochukwu to remain united and committed to the development of their communities, stressing the need for leaders to maintain close contact with the grassroots and respond to the concerns of the people.
He welcomed the new entrants, urging them to bring their experience,ideas, energy and commitment to the labour party while respecting it’s constitution, principles and organisational structures.
The Governor also charged political candidates to see their emergence as the beginning of a responsibility to serve, urging them to remain humble, accessible and connected to their communities.
Otti urged leaders to mobilise youths, encourage women and ensure that members of their communities feel valued and respected.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Otti, highlighted ongoing and completed infrastructure projects in Arochukwu and surrounding communities under the present administration.
He said a bridge project had been completed in four months against an initial six-month schedule, while the 30-kilometre Nzwaba-Arochukwu road was completed in less than two years.
Otumchere Otti added that the ongoing Bende-Ndimoko-Ndi Okereke-Okobo Road project was expected to reduce the distance between Umuahia and Arochukwu to about 56 kilometres and bring travel time down to approximately 45 minutes upon completion.
The Commissioner further disclosed that 16 internal roads were being developed or completed in Arochukwu, including roads around the General Hospital, while tenders had been opened for the Amuru-St. Paul’s-Isu road project.
In his address, the Labour Party Candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, described the gathering as an opportunity to discuss a new direction for Abia North, identifying infrastructure, telecommunications, electricity, digital connectivity and economic opportunities as areas requiring sustained attention.
He said representation should go beyond occupying elective positions to establishing practical connections between government institutions and communities.
Onuoha also welcomed those joining the Labour Party from other political platforms, urging them to contribute their experience and ideas towards building a stronger party.
The Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Engr. Chibuike Okereke Eze Aru, said the gathering was the first in a series of similar engagements planned across the five clans in the local government.
Eze Aru described the event as part of efforts to demonstrate the preparedness of the local government for the 2027 elections and welcomed the new members into the party.
The Chairman of the Labour Party in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Mazi G.N. Onuoha, expressed appreciation to the new members, describing the party as a platform open to people from different political backgrounds.
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Barrister Mrs. Priscilla Umehan of Ward 1 said the new members were pleased to identify with the Labour Party, citing visible projects of the administration among the reasons for their decision to join the party.
In his vote of thanks, Onyema, a community political leader, recalled the group’s political journey dating back to 2015, saying the members had remained committed despite setbacks in previous elections.
He said the 2023 election marked a turning point for the group and expressed satisfaction that some people who were previously on opposing political sides had now joined the Labour Party.
