2027: Old Bende youths reject Otti’s second-term endorsement

A group of young professionals from Old Bende, Abia State, has rejected claims that Governor Alex Otti has been endorsed for a second term by stakeholders from the region, describing the move as undemocratic and lacking legitimacy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the group—Old Bende Young Professionals—said the people of the area held no meeting to discuss the 2027 governorship race, let alone endorse any candidate.

The group dismissed the purported endorsement by Mascot Ikwechegh, member representing Aba North/Aba South federal constituency, as “null and void.”

“What happened in Ikwechegh’s sitting room is a parody of the absurd. It was premature and presumptuous. If it were in the military, all those who attended that circus show should have been court-martialed,” the group said.

The statement, signed by Barr. Chima Charles Ogbonnaya (President) and Chief Dike Chidozie Okwara (Secretary), described those who participated in the endorsement as “impostors,” insisting they lacked the mandate of Old Bende people to take such a weighty decision.

“Old Bende has so many sons and daughters who are qualified to run for Governor in 2027,” the group said, listing notable figures such as Ben Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Sampson Uche Ogah, former Minister, Dr Philips Nto, former commissioner and provost, Elder Etigwe Uwa, SAN, prominent lawyer, Chief Chikwe Udensi, Chief Chris, and Barr. Ete Igwe

They insisted that the governorship should return to Abia North in Old Bende by 2027, stressing that no official meeting had been convened to determine who the zone would support.

The group accused Ikwechegh of abandoning his core legislative duties to meddle in issues beyond his jurisdiction.

“It would be preposterous for Old Bende people to endorse anyone outside their own sons and daughters,” the group said.

“While we acknowledge that there is hunger in the land, our traditional rulers should preserve their integrity and dignity by confining themselves to their cultural roles in the society.

“If Ikwechegh is genuinely committed to serving the people of Old Bende, he should consider contesting for the House of Representatives in Bende, come 2027, and relinquish his current seat to the Ngwa people to promote fairness, equity, and rotational leadership.”