The Ukwa La Ngwa community of Abia State on Friday publicly donated ₦100 million to Governor Alex Otti to purchase his nomination form for the 2027 governorship election. The contribution was unveiled during a grand civic reception held in his honour at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, and disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, on Saturday.
Leaders of the Ukwa La Ngwa people said the cash was raised collectively by stakeholders as a demonstration of confidence in Otti’s performance since assuming office. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the civic reception and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, said the group was prepared to make further contributions if needed.
At the event, Governor Otti expressed deep gratitude to the community for both the warm reception and the endorsement embedded in their financial support. Standing before the crowd, he acknowledged the throng of supporters.
“The time we came in here this afternoon, the mammoth crowd was intimidating. I want to thank all of you. Thank you for the endorsement. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement.”
Otti reiterated his commitment to the people of Abia, asserting that his administration’s priorities would continue to center on the welfare of the populace rather than self-interest.
“One thing you can take home is that because this is your government, your interest will always come first. This is not about party or partisan celebration,” he stated emphatically.
The governor also outlined tangible achievements and upcoming milestones under his administration. He announced that Ovom Road would be commissioned on February 25, the same day the state plans to flag off the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, a five-star facility to be managed by Radisson Blu. Otti pledged that the hotel would begin operations by next year, stressing that his government’s approach was not one of “flag off and go home.”
In remarks that blended civic responsibility with political mobilisation, Otti urged residents of Aba to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that actual voter registration and turnout would demonstrate the true political strength of the city’s population.
“The number of people in Aba is ten times larger than the number of votes that come from Aba. The only way to show your strength is to get people to come out and register,” he said.
The event drew remarks from prominent figures, including Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who described the gathering as a “people’s verdict” on Otti’s governance rather than a partisan rally.
“This is the collective affirmation of the masses to celebrate a man who has demonstrated that good governance is achievable and real. Let no one be deceived: Abians will never again surrender their mandate to any cabal,” Wabara said, adding that any attempt to undermine Abia people’s will in 2027 would be resisted.
Among other speakers were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South and Darlington Nwokocha, National Secretary of the Labour Party, both of whom praised Otti’s leadership across various sectors, saying it had won broad support across the state.
Chief Theo Nkire, leader and spokesperson for the Ukwa La Ngwa people, lauded the governor as a “great achiever” whose administration has helped transform **Aba into a world-class industrial hub.” Traditional rulers from the community also pledged their backing.
The reception was marked by cultural displays and attended by several dignitaries, including Ginger Onwusibe, member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, underscoring the political and social significance of the event for both the community and Governor Otti’s re-election momentum.
