Kinsmen of the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara, have endorsed the re-election of Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obinna Aguocha, in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the weekend after a meeting of the Ohuhu Stakeholders Forum, which said it represented the collective voice of community leaders, political elders and citizens across Ohuhu clan.
The meeting, convened by the late premier’s son, Chief Uzodinma Okpara, at his Umueagwu Okpuala country home in Umuahia North Local Government Area, was described as an extraordinary general assembly.
The forum reviewed the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of Abia State before resolving to endorse Otti and Aguocha for another term in office.

It said Otti had “demonstrated unparalleled commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, structural development, human capital investment and the restoration of public infrastructure across Abia State.”
The forum also described Aguocha as “an effective, responsive and accountable representative” who had championed the developmental priorities of Ohuhuland and the federal constituency.
Consequently, the forum reaffirmed its confidence in Otti’s leadership, describing it as visionary and pledging its support for the continuation of his administration’s transformation agenda.

Similarly, the forum, chaired by Chief Ugochukwu Edozie, officially endorsed Aguocha for re-election to the House of Representatives, saying his performance, accessibility and legislative advocacy remained vital to the progress of the community and the constituency.
The forum also endorsed “full block support” for Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections and resolved to commence grassroots mobilisation across every ward and polling unit in Ohuhuland.
It urged eligible voters to collect and use their Permanent Voter Cards to support Labour Party candidates at the polls.
Twenty-six members, comprising politicians and non-politicians, were reportedly present at the meeting, alongside Chief Uzodinma Okpara, who convened it, and Chief Ugochukwu Edozie, the forum’s chairman.

Otti is expected to face candidates including Kelechi Anosike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eric Opah of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Ndubuisi Etugo Ogah of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), among others.
Aguocha’s major rival is expected to be Chinedum Orji of the APC, the immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, who lost the 2023 election to Aguocha while contesting on the PDP platform.