Otti Urges Abiriba to Maintain Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has urged the people of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom to maintain unity and brotherhood irrespective of political affiliations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Otti made the call through his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who represented him at the 2026 Eke Mbu, Iri Ndi Ndi Abiriba New Yam Festival held at Amaukwu, Amaeke, Abiriba.
Otti acknowledged the support of the people of Abiriba for the Labour Party and his administration, noting that such support came with expectations for tangible and responsive development.
He urged the people to assess the records, programmes and promises of political candidates and participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
He urged Ndi Abiriba to focus on the issues and candidates as they prepare for the 2027 elections, stressing that political differences should not undermine the peace and unity of the kingdom.
“No matter our political differences, Abiriba should always stand as one family, Abia must remain a united State, and our shared goal should be the development of our people,” he stated.
Otti congratulated the people of Abiriba on the New Yam Festival, noting that the annual celebration provided an opportunity for sons and daughters of the kingdom at home and abroad to return to their roots, reconnect with their heritage and strengthen bonds of friendship and brotherhood.
Governor also acknowledged the emergence of Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, as the Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, noting that the development had generated discussions in the political space of the district.
He commended Abiriba for its contributions to business, public service, education and community development, while praising the Enachioken-in-Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and the Planning Committee for sustaining the festival and preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
The Governor also stressed the importance of traditional institutions in preserving the history, values and identity of the people.
In his remarks, the Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu, offered royal blessings to Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu and other leaders, praying for wisdom, peace and success in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, HRH Eze Ukiwo Otisi, thanked the Enachioken-in-Council for entrusting him with the coordination of the festival.
He said the 2026 edition was particularly significant as it coincided with preparations for the 2027 electoral season, adding that some activities were designed to promote sportsmanship, friendship, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Eze Otisi urged sons and daughters of Abiriba to focus more on what they could contribute to the development of the community rather than what they expected to gain from it.
Also speaking, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, congratulated the Enachioken-in-Council, the three communities of Ameke, Agboji and Amogudu, traditional institutions, elders, women, youths and the entire Abiriba community on the celebration.
Bourdex thanked the community for its support for his aspiration to represent Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, stressing his commitment to serving communities across the district. He also called for continued support for Governor Otti and his administration’s development agenda.
The festival attracted the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; President General of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, Chief Uche Otah Uwa; royal fathers, community leaders, and sons and daughters of the Abiriba Ancient Kingdom
