This post has already been read at least 1168 times!
There was wild jubilation at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, officially flagged off the Labour Party’s campaign for the 2027 general elections and presented the party’s flag to Dr. Chima Anyaso as the LP candidate for Bende Federal Constituency.
The flag presentation, which many described as the highpoint of the day, was performed before a mammoth crowd of party leaders, supporters and stakeholders drawn from across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.
Dr. Anyaso, popularly known as Ofuji, received the flag alongside other Labour Party candidates for the January 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections, marking the formal commencement of his campaign to represent Ndi Bende in the House of Representatives.
Otti Inaugurates LP Advisory Council Chaired By Ude Oko Chukwu
The ceremony also witnessed the inauguration of the Labour Party Advisory Council, chaired by former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu. The Council, made up of men and women of capacity, is saddled with the responsibility of providing strategic direction for the governorship campaign and for all Labour Party candidates in the state. 
Governor Otti, who is seeking re-election for a second term with his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, told the crowd that the 2027 election is about consolidating the gains of the last 41 months and deepening development.
“Together we shall win, not because it is our right, but because you deserve a government that is responsive and answerable to you,” Governor Otti declared.
“It is an invitation made in humility, calling you to join Engr. Emetu and I as we seek a fresh mandate of another four years to consolidate on the multi-sectoral gains the State has recorded.”
Otti said his 2027 manifesto contains verifiable achievements and that in just three years, his administration has addressed structural challenges, restored the dignity of Abians and placed Abia at the top of national governance rankings, including first position in the Citizens Satisfaction Index.
No Opposition Should Be Denied Public Facilities — Otti Warns
While calling for peaceful campaigns, the Governor issued a strong warning against political intimidation and obstruction of opposition parties.
He said he had directed that no opposition party should be denied access to public facilities once due process is followed, and that security agencies have been mandated to arrest anyone who tries to stop any political group from holding legitimate activities.
“You do not have my mandate to attack people or stop people from campaigning. Restrict yourselves to issues that are relevant to our people, sell your manifesto, and leave out unnecessary personal attacks,” Otti said.
Presenting the flag, he prayed for victory:
“Make sure you vote for all Labour Party candidates. I am handing over this flag to Dr. Chima Anyaso (OFUJI), and I am doing that in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
We Will Take Message Of Hope To 13 Wards, 214 Polling Units — Anyaso
In his response, Dr. Anyaso said receiving the flag was a significant milestone and promised to take his message of hope to every corner of Bende.
“Having received this flag today, we are going to visit the LGAs, the 13 wards of Bende and the 214 polling units to give our people a message of hope. The signs are clear that our people want Ofuji,” he said.
The event was attended by the LP National Working Committee led by Deputy National Chairman Hon. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed representing National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, alongside National Secretary Hon. Iheanacho Obioma and South-East Vice Chairman Hon. Ishmael Onuoha, who described the flag-off as a carnival due to Otti’s performance.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and Nollywood veteran Patience Ozokwo (Mama G).
Earlier, Bro. Emma Okorie of Living Word Ministries, in a sermon before the flag-off, emphasized the need for visionary leadership and prayed for the sustenance of good governance in Abia.
This post has already been read at least 1168 times!
