Old Bende Young Professionals disown purported endorsement of Gov Otti for second term

The Old Bende Young Professionals have dismissed reports suggesting that Governor Alex Otti has received their endorsement for a second term, clarifying that no such decision has been made.

The group stressed that there has been no meeting of Old Bende stakeholders to discuss the 2027 governorship, let alone back any particular candidate.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the association described the purported endorsement by Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, as “null and void” for failing to meet democratic standards.

Signed by its President, Barr. Chima Charles Ogbonnaya, and Secretary, Hon. Chief Dike Chidozie Okwara (Dike Ohafia), the group accused those involved in the endorsement of acting without the authority of the Old Bende people.

They criticised Ikwechegh for straying from his legislative duties to meddle in a matter “he clearly lacked the power and capacity to address.”

The group noted that, in their view, the governorship in 2027 should rightfully go to Abia North in Old Bende, adding that no formal consultations have yet been held on which candidate to support.

“What happened in Hon. Ikwechegh’s sitting room is a parody of the absurd. It was premature and presumptuous. If it were in the military, all those who attended that circus show should have been court-martialed,” the group stated.

They further stressed that Ikwechegh could not speak for Old Bende and questioned why the zone would endorse someone outside its own pool of qualified aspirants.

“Old Bende has so many sons and daughters who are qualified to run for Governor in 2027. We have Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, the current number six man in the country; we have Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, a former Minister; we have Dr. Philips Nto, a former Commissioner and one-time Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu. We also have Elder Etigwe Uwa (SAN), a prominent lawyer from the zone. Chief Chikwe Udensi, Chief Chris, Bar. Ete Igwe, Nnenna Ukeje, Nkeiru Onyejiocha, etc., among other prominent and eminent sons and daughters who can run and win the governorship in 2027,” the statement read.

The group also condemned the alleged use of traditional rulers as political tools and urged them to maintain their dignity.

According to them, “While we acknowledge that there is hunger in the land, our traditional rulers should preserve their integrity and dignity by confining themselves to their cultural roles in society.”

Advising Ikwechegh to focus on his legislative mandate, they suggested he should leave Aba’s House of Representatives seat for the Ngwa people in 2027 if he intends to contest in Bende.

“If Ikwechegh is genuinely committed to serving the people of Old Bende, he should consider contesting for the House of Representatives in Bende come 2027 and relinquish his current seat to the Ngwa people to promote fairness, equity, and rotational leadership,” the statement read.

The group added “Ikwechegh’s current shenanigans, undemocratic and self-centred political acts are unacceptable and a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the autonomy of our region, Old Bende.”