The New Bende Forum has endorsed Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term in office and adopted Labour Party aspirant Chima Anyaso as its preferred candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after the forum’s meeting held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. The gathering brought together political stakeholders and community leaders to discuss governance, political representation and the future of the constituency.
In the communiqué, the forum expressed support for Otti’s continuation in office until 2031, citing what it described as positive performance by his administration.
“Abia State has never had it so good. This good governance must continue in Abia,” the communiqué stated.
The forum also announced its endorsement of Anyaso, a Labour Party aspirant, for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, saying it had considered the backgrounds, track records and credentials of the contenders before reaching its decision.
The endorsement received support from stakeholders across party lines. Chief Nduaka Henry Nworisara, identified as a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, moved a motion urging Bende stakeholders to support Anyaso, while APC chieftain Ezeogo Anyim Eke seconded the motion, citing the need for the House of Representatives seat to return to Bende North. The motion was reportedly adopted unanimously.
In another resolution, the forum rejected third-term bids for elective positions in Bende, including seats in the Abia State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives. It argued that political representation should be guided by equity, fairness and progress.
The forum urged residents and political stakeholders to consider these principles when making political decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, its communiqué did not outline how the position would apply to individual officeholders or address the constitutional provisions governing eligibility for re-election.
The meeting also announced a new leadership structure for Bende Forum – New Abia, describing the reorganisation as an effort to restore a collective political voice for the area.
Bende Mayor Uwabunkonye Bassey said the gathering brought together stakeholders from across the local government area and marked a renewed effort to promote unity and political engagement.
Hon. Ukwu Rocks Emma was announced as chairman, with Okechukwu Dike as deputy chairman and Chief Nduaka Nworisara as secretary. Other members of the leadership include Obike Mascot as organising secretary, Ferdinand Ekeoma as director of publicity, Dr. Mrs. Naomi Chinyere Thompson-Akpoigbe as woman leader and Ezeogo Anyim Eke as youth leader. Chief Emeka Charles Kalu, popularly known as ECK, was named grand patron.
The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. David Anyaele, said the new forum would work towards strengthening unity among Bende stakeholders and ensuring that collective decisions were respected.
In his remarks, the newly announced chairman, Ukwu Rocks Emma, said the forum had been reconstituted to restore Bende’s voice in political affairs and provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the constituency and Abia State.
The endorsement of Governor Otti was formalised through a motion moved by Hon. Marshal Okorie of Ugwueke and seconded by Hon. Godwin Ndom of Itumbauzor. The motion was put to a voice vote by Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, who represents Bende North State Constituency, and was affirmed by the gathering.
Several government appointees and political stakeholders attended the meeting, including Ferdinand Ekeoma, Onyi Nwosu, Director-General of Monitoring and Evaluation, Deputy Mayor Ngozi Sandra Anya and Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor.
The forum said its resolutions reflected its position on governance, political representation and tenure in elective office, urging the people of Bende to be guided by equity, fairness and progress as the 2027 elections approach.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
