The Ukwa La Ngwa people of Abia State have donated the sum of ₦100 million to purchase the nomination form for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The donation was announced on Friday during a grand civic reception organised in honour of the governor at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha.
Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ukwa La Ngwa Civic Reception and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the funds were jointly raised by the people of Ukwa La Ngwa, adding that the group was prepared to contribute more if the need arose.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti expressed gratitude for the endorsement and overwhelming show of support.
“The time we came in here this afternoon, the mammoth crowd was intimidating. I want to thank all of you,” he said.
“Thank you for the endorsement. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement.”
The governor assured the people that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare, stressing that governance in Abia State was no longer driven by personal or partisan interests.
“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,” Otti added.
He also disclosed that Ovom Road would be commissioned on February 25, the same day the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, a five-star facility to be handled by Radisson Blu, would be officially flagged off.
“Our style is not to flag off and go home. We want the five-star hotel to start functioning by next year,” the governor said.
Otti further urged residents of Aba to register for their Permanent Voter Cards, emphasising the need for greater civic participation ahead of future elections.
“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 stated.
Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the event as a reflection of public approval of Otti’s performance in office.
“This is not a political party rally; it is a people’s verdict. It is the collective affirmation of the masses to celebrate a man who has demonstrated that good governance is achievable and real,” Wabara said.
“Let no one be deceived: Abians will never again surrender their mandate to any cabal. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people in 2027 will be firmly resisted.”
The Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Darlington Nwokocha, also spoke at the event, noting that the governor’s performance across critical sectors had earned him widespread support.
Earlier, leader and spokesperson of the Ukwa La Ngwa people, Chief Theo Nkire, described Otti as “a great achiever,” crediting his administration with transforming Aba into “a world-class industrial hub.”
Traditional rulers from the Ukwa La Ngwa area pledged their continued support for the governor, while the colourful event featured cultural displays and was attended by several dignitaries, including the member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe.
