The Labour Party on Tuesday concluded the grand finale of its State Working Committee (SWC) Local Government Area familiarization visit/summit in Bende Local Government Area, marking the culmination of a statewide grassroots engagement that began in Aba North on August 11, 2025.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, was represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, at the well-attended event where he conveyed the Governor’s appreciation to the people of Bende for their steadfast support for the Labour Party and the current administration.

Addressing party faithful, traditional leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders, the Deputy Governor described the turnout as a clear demonstration of the party’s deep grassroots acceptance and strength across Abia State. He emphasized that the familiarization tour was not merely ceremonial but a deliberate effort to connect with the people, listen to their concerns, and strengthen the party’s bond with communities at the ward and village levels.

“What we are witnessing today is not just a meeting—it is a clear sign that the Labour Party is alive, strong, and firmly rooted at the grassroots. The large turnout here in Bende tells a simple but powerful story: the people have accepted the Labour Party, and the Labour Party belongs to the people,” Engr. Emetu stated.

The Deputy Governor highlighted key achievements of the Otti administration, noting improvements in fiscal discipline, prompt payment of salaries, renewed attention to neglected roads, institutional reforms, and a renewed focus on service-driven governance.

“Governance in Abia is no longer about promises—it is about performance. Public funds are now treated as sacred, institutions are being cleaned up, and leadership is once again about service to the people,” he said.

He further urged party members to remain united and disciplined as the political season approaches, stressing that unity, grassroots mobilization, and sustained engagement with citizens remain the party’s strongest assets. According to him, every party member is a mobilizer, and every household counts in consolidating the gains recorded so far.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Emmanuel Oti, explained that the gathering was to “sign the signature of the Labour Party in Bende LGA,” noting that the familiarization tour, which spanned all LGAs of the state, underscored the party’s presence and strength across Abia. He commended the administration for delivering beyond campaign promises, citing notable interventions in education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture. Hon. Oti also called on eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On behalf of Bende politicians, the Member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, described Governor Otti as a leader setting a clear development trajectory for Abia State. He expressed confidence in the Governor’s re-election in 2027 and pledged the unwavering loyalty and support of Bende politicians.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Bende LGA, Elder Uwabunkeonye Bassey, reaffirmed the local government’s total support for the Governor, noting that significant progress has been achieved in less than three years. He stated that the developmental strides recorded in Bende and across Abia State are evident and assured that the Labour Party in Bende remains solidly grounded.

The event concluded with a renewed call for unity, sustained grassroots engagement, and collective commitment to protecting and expanding the developmental gains recorded under Governor Alex Otti's led administration in Abia State.

Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo; Members of the State Working Committee of the Labour Party; Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu; Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; appointees of the government; Stakeholders; Traditional Rulers, the youth, and members of the Labour Party attended the event.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba 
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State