As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the race for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives is attracting so much attention. Among the political figures generating discussions across Abia State and Bende is Dr. Chima Anyaso, whose campaign has placed development, representation and accountability at the centre of its message.
Under the platform of the Labour Party, Dr. Chima Anyaso has continued to engage with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women and other groups across Bende. His engagements have provided opportunities for him to communicate his aspirations and outline the priorities he intends to pursue if elected.
One of the major talking points surrounding his political ambition is the Bende Prosperity Contract, popularly presented under the slogan, “Walk With Me.” The document was publicly unveiled and signed by Dr. Chima Anyaso at the Uzuakoli Civic Centre on October 6, 2026.
The Prosperity Contract is significant because it seeks to establish a framework for measuring political representation through clearly stated commitments. Rather than presenting a collection of ‘campaign promises’, the document is framed as a covenant between the candidate(OFUJI) and the people, which citizens are encouraged to read, question and retain as a reference point for accountability.
At the heart of the contract is the question of effective representation. It places emphasis on maintaining regular communication with constituents, listening to their concerns, facilitating access to federal opportunities and providing updates on the progress of commitments made during the campaign.
Agriculture is another major component of the document. With Bende possessing considerable agricultural potential, the contract proposes a value-chain approach that goes beyond farming to include processing, packaging, marketing and access to wider markets. Its central message is captured in the expression: “Grow it here. Process it here. Sell it here. Create jobs here.”
The education component focuses on improving opportunities for students and young people. It recognises education as an important instrument for social mobility and proposes interventions that can strengthen access to learning, skills development and opportunities for young people within the constituency.
Youth development also features prominently. The contract identifies vocational training, apprenticeships, enterprise development and youth participation in decision-making as areas requiring attention. Its proposed Youth Council is intended to provide a structured platform through which young people can contribute to discussions about the future of Bende.
Healthcare is included among the priorities, with emphasis on improving access to quality healthcare services and attracting relevant federal interventions to communities. The document recognises that healthcare delivery requires sustained attention, collaboration and effective representation at the national level.
Infrastructure remains another important issue. Roads, electricity, water supply, markets and digital connectivity are identified as essential components of community development. The contract places emphasis on facilitating interventions that can improve living conditions, support businesses and connect communities to economic opportunities.
The enterprise and financial inclusion component addresses the need to support small businesses, traders, artisans and emerging entrepreneurs. Access to finance, business development opportunities and relevant federal programmes are identified as possible areas of intervention for strengthening the local economy.
Women and persons with disabilities are also recognised in the document. Its inclusion agenda emphasises the need to create opportunities for participation in economic activities, leadership, skills acquisition and public programmes, while ensuring that development initiatives do not leave vulnerable groups behind.
The contract further recognises the importance of sports, arts, culture and talent development. The proposed annual Bende Festival is presented as an opportunity to celebrate the cultural identity of the people, encourage tourism, promote local creativity and create platforms for young talents.
Security and environmental protection are also part of the proposed development framework. The document identifies community safety, erosion control, flooding and environmental challenges as issues requiring attention through collaboration with relevant authorities and institutions.
Beyond the sectoral commitments, the contract makes provisions for political accountability and continuity. Dr. Chima Anyaso has stated that he intends to limit himself to two terms in office, respect the Umunna–Ikwuisii political rotation arrangement and support the emergence of an Ikwuisii successor after his tenure. These commitments have become part of the public conversation surrounding his political agenda.
Another issue highlighted in the contract is the distinction between facilitating public projects and presenting them as ‘personal gifts’. The document suggests that federal representation should be measured by the ability to attract legitimate government interventions, communicate their progress and ensure that communities understand the processes behind their delivery.
His campaign activities across the constituency have also contributed to the discussions around his ambition. Meetings with stakeholders and community groups have provided platforms for presenting his proposals, receiving feedback and discussing the development challenges confronting different parts of Bende.
The political support and endorsements associated with his campaign have equally generated conversations among stakeholders. However, endorsements by political groups and individuals remain distinct from the wider electoral decision, which ultimately belongs to registered voters across the constituency.
The Labour Party platform provides the political framework under which Dr. Chima Anyaso is pursuing his ambition. His campaign message, as reflected in the Prosperity Contract, raises questions about the relationship between political representation, community development and the responsibility of elected officials to account for their stewardship.
As the 2027 election approaches, the Bende Federal Constituency election will be shaped by several considerations, including candidates’ records, policy proposals, political structures, public engagement, party platforms and voters’ assessment of the issues affecting their communities.
Ultimately, the Bende Prosperity Contract has introduced a document against which Dr. Chima Anyaso’s stated priorities can be examined. From the contract , it’s clear that his commitments will translate into measurable outcomes if given the mandate.
For Ndi Bende, OFUJI represents a shared aspiration. The widespread support he enjoys across political divides reflects the growing enthusiasm surrounding his ambition and reinforces the belief that when the people make a collective decision, no amount of intimidation can silence their voices.
Promise Uzoma Okoro, anipr is the Director of Media & Publicity, Chima Anyaso Campaign Council.
