Former elected councillors across Bende Federal Constituency have unanimously endorsed Dr. Chima Anyaso as their sole candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections, while also pledging support for the re-election of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.
The declaration was made during a courtesy visit to Dr. Anyaso at his country home in Igbere, where the Coordinator of the association, Hon. Godwin Ndom, said the adoption followed a collective and conscientious decision by members.
According to him, the endorsement was partly inspired by the goodwill of the Otti administration, which recently cleared arrears owed former elected councillors dating back to 1999.
The group further resolved to mobilise grassroots support for both Dr. Anyaso and Governor Otti across the 13 wards in the constituency, pledging to “hoist their flags” in a show of political solidarity.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by Hon. Pastor Kelechi Ejike of Umuimenyi Ward and seconded by Hon. Ekechukwu Isaac of Item Ward B.
Responding, Dr. Anyaso expressed appreciation for the visit and the confidence reposed in him, urging the councillors to remain focused and committed to their resolution.
He stressed that the unanimous endorsement should be sustained with consistency, noting that he would not take their support for granted.
He assured them of his readiness to consolidate on previous achievements and deliver effective representation if elected, adding that he would not disappoint the people of Bende.
In separate remarks, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Emenike, Hon. Ekechukwu Isaac, and Hon. Iheanyichukwu Asiegbu commended Dr. Anyaso’s philanthropic contributions and humanitarian interventions across the constituency, describing his potential election as a collective project aimed at rewarding and encouraging his efforts.
They reaffirmed their commitment to delivering both Dr. Anyaso and Governor Otti at the polls, insisting that members of the association would deploy all available structures to ensure victory in 2027.
The communique reads as follows:
*COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE FORUM OF FORMER ELECTED COUNCILLORS OF BENDE LGA (1999 – 2022)*
Following extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders, and opinion moulders across Bende Federal Constituency, and after careful deliberations on matters relating to the forthcoming 2027 General Elections, we, the Former Elected Councillors of Bende Local Government Area who served between 1999 and 2022, hereby issue the following communiqué:
*Commitment to Good Governance*
We reaffirm our unwavering support for good governance, transformative leadership, and quality representation at all levels of government.
*Affirmation of Zoning Principle*
We align ourselves fully with the zoning arrangement established by our founding fathers, which promotes equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful power rotation between Bende South (Ikwuisii) and Bende North (Umunna).
*Turn of Bende North (Umunna)*
Having critically reviewed the political trajectory of Bende Federal Constituency, we affirm that it is the turn of Bende North (Umunna) to produce the next Member representing Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 2027 General Election.
We therefore call on all political parties to zone their House of Representatives tickets to Bende North (Umunna), noting that Bende South (Ikwuisii) has completed two tenures of eight years through the incumbent Representative, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whose tenure concludes in June 2027.
*Adoption of Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso*
In line with the endorsement earlier granted by the Association of Former Elected Councillors of Abia State (1999–2022), we hereby reaffirm and formally adopt Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso as our consensus and sole candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2027 election.
Our decision is informed by his outstanding philanthropic interventions across Bende, sustained grassroots empowerment initiatives, accessibility, and wide acceptance among the people.
*Appreciation to Governor Alex Chioma Otti*
We express profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for graciously settling outstanding entitlements owed to former elected councillors by previous administrations. This gesture reflects responsive leadership and genuine commitment to justice and welfare.
*Support for Governor Alex Otti’s Re-Election*
We pledge our unalloyed loyalty and total support for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election in 2027, to enable him continue the transformational development and good governance currently being experienced across Abia State.
*Strategic Political Partnership*
Our collective mantra, “OTTI OR NOTHING,” shall align and partner with Dr. Chima Anyaso’s “OTTI AGAIN 2027” Movement to ensure overwhelming electoral victory in Bende LGA for Governor Alex Otti and Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso in the 2027 General Elections.
*Conclusion*
As grassroots leaders representing our various wards, we unequivocally reaffirm our commitment to the zoning principle instituted by our founding fathers to preserve unity, prevent unnecessary political rancour, and guarantee equitable power sharing within Bende Federal Constituency.
We therefore call on Ndi Bende to uphold equity, fairness, and unity by respecting the zoning arrangement and allowing Bende North (Umunna) to produce the next Member of the House of Representatives in 2027.
*Signed*:
Forum of Former Elected Councillors of Bende LGA (1999 – 2022)
