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….From Philanthropy To Politics, Caades Group GMD Builds Grassroots Momentum Across Bende
ABIA STATE — The political temperature is rising in Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Dr. Chima Anyaso emerging as one of the most talked-about names in the unfolding race.
Across the 13 communities of Bende Local Government Area, conversations about who should represent the interests of the people in 2027 are increasingly taking a new direction, with supporters of the businessman, philanthropist and political leader insisting that his record of service has already set him apart from the crowd.
From Ozuitem, Item and Uzuakoli to Alayi and other communities, the argument being advanced by his supporters is straightforward: Bende needs a representative whose relationship with the people did not begin with an election timetable.
For years, Anyaso, the Group Managing Director of Caades Group, has maintained a visible presence in the constituency through interventions in education, healthcare, youth development, women empowerment, entrepreneurship and community infrastructure.
His supporters now believe those interventions are beginning to translate into political goodwill.
“We have watched him for years,” said Chief Nnanna Okoro, a community leader in Ozuitem. “When people were talking, Dr. Anyaso was doing. Boreholes, road interventions, support for farmers, and jobs for our graduates. Ndi Bende remember those who stand with us when there is no camera.”
A Different Kind Of Political Campaign
Unlike politicians whose visibility often increases as elections approach, supporters say Anyaso has spent years building relationships at the grassroots through philanthropy and community engagement.
Scholarship programmes have provided educational support to beneficiaries, while medical outreaches, skills acquisition programmes and youth initiatives have created additional points of contact between the Anyaso-led foundation and residents.
Women’s groups in Uzuakoli have also cited support for small businesses and cooperatives, while young people have pointed to football tournaments, skills development and information and communication technology initiatives as evidence of sustained engagement.
The emerging political narrative is therefore not simply about party affiliation.
It is about record, capacity and trust.
“He understands business and he understands the village,” said Adaugo Kalu, a trader at Bende Central Market. “We need someone who can attract investment, fix our roads, and still sit with elders to listen. That is why the talk in every ward is about Dr. Chima.”
Why 2027 Could Be Different
Political observers believe the 2027 contest could test whether established political structures can withstand a growing demand for candidates with demonstrable grassroots records.
For Anyaso’s supporters, the answer is already clear.
They argue that Bende cannot afford to approach another election solely on the strength of party structures, slogans or political promises. Instead, they want a candidate they believe has already demonstrated the capacity to turn resources, relationships and private-sector experience into practical community interventions.
That argument is giving the Anyaso campaign a distinct political identity: service before office, impact before ambition.
Sources close to community stakeholders say consultations are continuing across the local government area as supporters work towards broader mobilisation and a united political front ahead of 2027.
The objective, according to those familiar with the engagements, is to transform the goodwill generated through years of community interventions into a formidable electoral movement.
The Grassroots Factor
The growing visibility of Anyaso’s name across strategic locations in Bende has further intensified political conversations around his potential candidacy.
Supporters say the emerging movement is not being driven solely from the top. They point to conversations among community leaders, women, young people, traders, professionals and other grassroots stakeholders as evidence of what they describe as a widening base.
The central message is increasingly being repeated across communities: Bende should support someone who has demonstrated commitment to Bende before asking for its votes.
And that is where Anyaso’s political proposition appears to be gaining traction.
“Service is not about titles. It is about impact. When I’m elected, Bende will come first,” Anyaso has said.
For his supporters, that declaration is more than campaign rhetoric. They see it as a continuation of a philosophy they say he has already demonstrated through years of community engagement.
The Battle For Bende
The 2027 election is still ahead, and the political landscape remains fluid. Other aspirants and political interests are expected to intensify their campaigns as the contest draws closer.
But the early signs suggest that Bende could witness a fiercely contested race in which personal records, grassroots structures, political alliances and voter expectations will all play decisive roles.
For now, however, the Anyaso camp is projecting confidence.
Its argument is that the question facing Ndi Bende is no longer simply who wants to represent Bende, but who has already demonstrated that Bende matters to him.
And from village meetings to market conversations and youth gatherings, supporters insist that the answer is becoming increasingly obvious.
If 2027 becomes a referendum on service, capacity and commitment to Bende, Dr. Chima Anyaso believes he has already made his case — long before the campaign begins.
StreetReporters.ng
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