…Says equity, fairness, effective representation must guide Bende’s political future

…Backs Otti for second term, Anyaso for House of Representatives
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a prominent political and community stakeholders’ group in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Bende Forum–New Abia, has formally endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office and Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso as its preferred candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The endorsements were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a critical stakeholders’ meeting held in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area.

In the communique endorsed by officials and stakeholders of Bende Forum–New Abia, including its Chairman and Secretary, alongside the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area and other community representatives, the Forum, which describes itself as the assembly and political voice of Bende people, said its decisions were informed by the need to promote good governance, equity, fairness, political inclusion and sustainable development across Bende Local Government Area and Abia State.

The stakeholders said their endorsement followed a careful consideration of the political aspirations, antecedents, pedigree and suitability of candidates seeking to represent the constituency.

According to the communiqué, the Forum unanimously resolved to support Governor Alex Otti’s re-election in 2027, citing what it described as his administration’s commitment to good governance, development and the transformation of Abia State.

The Forum noted that Governor Otti’s leadership represents a departure from the governance challenges that had previously constrained the state’s development, stressing the need to consolidate the progress recorded under his administration.

“That for the 2027 governorship elections in Abia State, Bende Forum wholeheartedly endorses Governor Alex Otti to continue his good works till 2031. Abia State has never had it so good. This good governance must continue in Abia,” the communiqué stated.

The communiqué stated: “That for the 2027 House of Representatives elections for Bende Federal Constituency, having weighed the different candidates, their antecedents and pedigree, Bende Forum–New Abia hereby endorses Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso of the Labour Party to represent Bende in the House of Reps, come 2027. The Forum finds Anyaso fit and proper.”

The Forum maintained that Bende Federal Constituency requires purposeful, responsive and people-oriented representation capable of advancing the collective interests of its communities at the National Assembly.

It expressed confidence in Anyaso’s suitability for the position and called on the people of Bende to place the collective development of the constituency above narrow political interests.

In another major resolution, the Forum categorically rejected the idea of a third term for elected representatives in Bende, insisting that political leadership must reflect fairness, equity and opportunities for broader participation.

The Forum specifically stated that its opposition to third-term bids applies to elective positions in Bende, including the Abia State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

“On the contentious issue of tenure elongation in elective offices, Bende Forum categorically rejects 3rd term for any candidate. This applies to all elective offices in Bende including House of Assembly seats and the House of Representatives seat,” the communiqué declared.

The stakeholders further expressed concern over what they described as inconsistencies among political actors who had previously opposed third-term representation but were now advocating the same arrangement.

According to the Forum, political principles should not be abandoned merely to accommodate individual ambitions.

“The Forum condemns the hypocrisy of individuals who castigated 3rd Term Agenda in the past and even committed to a maximum of 2 tenures (in writing) but are unfortunately somersaulting and demanding 3rd term for themselves because it now suits their selfish interests,” the communiqué stated.

The Forum argued that political representation should be guided by consistency, fairness, accountability and respect for commitments made to the electorate.

It emphasised that its position was intended to strengthen political equity and encourage broader participation in the democratic process.

The stakeholders stressed that the political future of Bende must be anchored on unity, inclusive development and effective representation rather than personal ambitions or divisive political interests.

The Forum explained that its activities under the banner of Bende Forum–New Abia were consistent with the broader vision of promoting unity, progress and sustainable development in Abia State.

It maintained that Bende Local Government Area and the federal constituency deserve political leadership capable of attracting meaningful development, protecting community interests and providing effective representation.

The Forum consequently urged residents, political stakeholders, community leaders, youths and other interest groups across Bende to support decisions that advance the collective interests of the constituency.