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A political and community stakeholders’ group in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Bende Forum–New Abia, has endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term and Labour Party chieftain, Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group announced its positions in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Igbere, Bende LGA, on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The forum said the endorsements were informed by the need to promote good governance, equity, fairness, political inclusion and sustainable development in Abia State.
On Otti’s re-election bid, the group called for the continuation of his administration beyond 2027, expressing support for his leadership and its approach to governance.
“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 forum also endorsed Anyaso for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, saying it had considered the backgrounds, antecedents and suitability of the candidates seeking to represent the area.
“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,” it stated.
The group said Bende needed effective representation at the National Assembly to advance the interests of its communities and promote development across the constituency.
It urged residents and political stakeholders to prioritise the collective interests of the area in their political choices ahead of the elections.
In another resolution, the forum rejected third-term bids by elected representatives in Bende, saying elective offices should provide opportunities for broader political participation.
It said its position covered all elective offices in the area, including seats in 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 stated.
The group also criticised politicians it accused of changing their positions on third-term representation to suit their personal ambitions.
It alleged that some individuals who had previously opposed third-term bids and committed themselves in writing to serving a maximum of two terms were now seeking another term.
“The Forum condemns the hypocrisy of individuals who castigated 3rd Term Agenda in the past and even committed to a maximum of two tenures (in writing) but are unfortunately somersaulting and demanding 3rd term for themselves because it now suits their selfish interests,” the communiqué added.
The forum maintained that political representation should be guided by equity, fairness, accountability and consistency, urging the people of Bende to support decisions that would advance the area’s collective interests.
The communiqué was endorsed by officials of Bende Forum–New Abia and other stakeholders, including the group’s chairman and secretary, the chairman of Bende Local Government Area and community representatives.
