-says political representation must reflect equity, fairness and progress-
The New Bende Forum , has endorsed Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for a second term in office, adopted Labour Party candidate Dr. Chima Anyaso for the 2027 Bende Federal Constituency election, and rejected third-term bids for elective positions across Bende.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the forum held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area. The meeting brought together political stakeholders and community leaders to deliberate on governance, political representation and the future of Bende.
In the communiqué, the forum declared its support for Governor Otti to continue in office until 2031, arguing that his administration’s performance should be sustained.
“Abia State has never had it so good. This good governance must continue in Abia,” the communiqué stated.
The forum described itself as the political voice and assembly of the Bende people, saying its emergence under the name Bende Forum – New Abia was intended to promote unity, progress and development in Bende Local Government Area and Bende Federal Constituency.
On the 2027 House of Representatives election, the forum announced its endorsement of Dr. Chima Anyaso of the Labour Party to represent Bende Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
According to the communiqué, the forum considered the backgrounds, antecedents and credentials of the contenders before reaching its decision, adding that it found Anyaso “fit and proper” for the position.
The endorsement was also supported through a motion moved by Chief Nduaka Henry Nworisara, identified at the meeting as a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress(ADC). He called on Bende stakeholders to rally behind Anyaso, citing the need for a common position on representation at the National Assembly.
The motion was seconded by APC chieftain Ezeogo Anyim Eke, who said his party had made its position known on the need for the House of Representatives seat to return to Bende North. He also called for support for Anyaso.
The meeting’s account stated that the stakeholders adopted the motion unanimously.
In another major resolution, the forum categorically rejected third-term bids for elective offices in Bende, stating that its position applied to both the House of Assembly and House of Representatives seats.
The forum argued that political representation should be guided by equity, fairness and progress, while criticising individuals it accused of opposing third-term ambitions in the past but supporting them when doing so suited their interests.
It called on the people of Bende to consider these principles in making political decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué did not provide a detailed explanation of how the rejection of third-term bids would apply to each individual elective office or how it relates to the constitutional rules governing eligibility for re-election.
The meeting also announced a new leadership structure for Bende Forum – New Abia.
The Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Mayor Uwabunkonye Bassey, told participants that the gathering brought together stakeholders from across Bende and described the reorganisation as an effort to restore a collective political voice for the area.
“We have gathered here today, the people you are seeing here is Bende Stakeholders, before we have Bende Forum of the old, this time around we have made progress and that progress is that we have a New Bende Forum”
“We have called this meeting and our brother said he will host us for the meeting”
The leadership announced included Hon. Ukwu Rocks Emma as Chairman, Okechukwu Dike as Deputy Chairman, Chief Nduaka Nworisara as Secretary, Obike Mascot as Organising Secretary, Ferdinand Ekeoma as Director of Publicity, Dr. Mrs. Naomi Chinyere Thompson-Akpoigbe as Woman Leader,Ezeogo Anyim Eke as Youth Leader while Chief Emeka Charles Kalu(ECK) was unveiled as Grand Patron.
The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. David Anyaele, said the new forum would work to maintain unity among Bende stakeholders and ensure that their collective decisions were respected.
In his remarks, the newly announced chairman, Hon. Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma, said the forum had been reconstituted to restore Bende’s voice in political affairs.
He argued that the forum would provide a common platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Abia State and Bende, with an emphasis on unity and a level playing field.
“Thank God that we have a new Abia and in Bende we have a ‘new Bende Forum’, people have not heard the voice of Bende for a long time , so the time has come for people to hear the name of Bende Forum “
“Whatever we agree is what we are going to do, we are going to have equal level ground for three things, we are interested in what happens at the state.
At the meeting, Hon. Marshal Okorie from Ugwueke moved a motion endorsing Governor Otti for a second term, while Hon. Godwin Ndom from Itumbauzor seconded it. The motion was put to a voice vote by the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe with the Forum affirming it as moved.
The forum said its resolutions reflected its position on governance, political representation and tenure in elective office.
The communiqué concluded with an appeal to the people of Bende to be guided by equity, fairness and progress as they consider the political choices before them.
The meeting has in attendance some Senior Government Appointments including Hon Ferdinand Ekeoma, Onyi Nwosu, Director General Monitoring and Evaluation, Deputy Mayor Ngozi Sandra Anya, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere , Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor among others.
