Abia Ex-Councillors Praise Otti for clearing 20-year arrears and endorse him and Chima Anyaso ahead of the 2027 elections
Abia State former councillors on Wednesday in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area, publicly commended Governor Alex Otti for commencing the payment of long-outstanding salary arrears and allowances accumulated over the past two decades, describing the move as a significant and long-awaited relief for affected beneficiaries.
Also read: Orji Kalu Declares Opposition to Otti in 2027 Abia Election
The ex-councillors, who served between 1999 and 2022, also used the occasion of a courtesy visit to Dr. Chima Anyaso, a chieftain of the Labour Party, to endorse Governor Otti for a second term and declare support for Anyaso’s ambition to represent Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The visit brought together members of the forum led by coordinator Tony Agbanyim.
Tony Agbanyim stated that the group had endured prolonged hardship due to unpaid entitlements under previous administrations, noting that the situation had led to the loss of over 50 members to avoidable deaths linked to economic distress.
He described Governor Otti’s intervention as a decisive step that has restored hope among the former councillors.
He emphasised that the endorsement of Abia Ex-Councillors Praise Otti was not solely based on the commencement of arrears payments but also on what the group described as improved governance and responsiveness in the state.
According to him, the former councillors believe the current administration is addressing long-standing issues that had been neglected for years.
Agbanyim further disclosed that the ex-councillors had also unanimously backed Dr. Chima Anyaso for the House of Representatives seat in 2027, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver effective representation.
He added that the group is prepared to mobilise support based on Anyaso’s track record and engagement with the people.
The Bende Federal Constituency seat is currently occupied by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, making the contest potentially competitive ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In his response, Dr. Chima Anyaso, a former deputy governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party in the 2023 elections and now a Labour Party chieftain, expressed appreciation for the support extended by the ex-councillors.
He commended their endorsement of both Governor Otti and his own political aspiration, describing it as encouraging.
Anyaso noted that the emergence of support movements such as “Otti or Nothing” among the ex-councillors aligns with his own “Otti Again” initiative, suggesting that both groups may collaborate to consolidate backing for the governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
He highlighted Governor Otti’s governance style as transformative, stating that Abia State has begun to receive more positive attention nationally due to improvements in leadership and administration.
He further commended the governor for addressing long-standing arrears owed to former councillors by successive governments.
Anyaso also expressed regret over the loss of several ex-councillors due to hardship caused by unpaid wages over the years, describing the situation as avoidable and unfortunate.
He stressed that supporting the current administration would help sustain ongoing reforms and development efforts.
Accepting the endorsement, Anyaso confirmed his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat in 2027, stating that he is prepared to serve his constituency.
He explained that his earlier decision not to contest in 2023 was influenced by considerations of equity, but affirmed that he is now ready to pursue the mandate.
Also read: Ohuabunwa Hails Otti’s Infrastructure Gains in Abia
The endorsements signal growing political alignment in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections, with stakeholders increasingly rallying around Governor Otti’s administration and emerging candidates within the Labour Party structure.
