Critical stakeholders in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have distanced themselves from a recent communiqué purportedly issued by the “Bende Forum,” declaring that the group no longer exists in its original form and has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The stakeholders made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, which was presented by a former Chairman of Bende Local Government Area and former Commissioner, Chief Ukwu “Rocks” Emma, on behalf of the group.
Chief Emma, while reading the communiqué, accused some individuals of allegedly impersonating and using the name of the defunct Bende Forum to pursue personal interests.
He said the original Bende Forum was established as a platform for promoting the unity and collective interests of Bende people, stressing that it was not created to serve the agenda of individuals.
“Bende Forum was a platform for the expression of Bende interests that did not pander to the whims and caprices of individuals,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders explained that the original forum was formed during the administration of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, with Chief Emma Omokwe as Chairman and Chief P.C. Mba as Secretary. They said the forum comprised commissioners, political appointees, elected officials and respected elders from across Bende.
They further recalled that efforts to revive the forum during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji, under the leadership of late Chief B.A. Mmeregini, later failed due to political disagreements.
Questioning the authenticity of recent statements issued in the name of the group, the stakeholders asked: “Which Bende Forum? The one led by B.A. Mmeregini or a phantom one? A Bende Forum without the original members and leaders as gathered here? We take exception to this impersonation.”
The stakeholders also rejected a communiqué reportedly presented by Hon. P.C. Mba, describing it as a personal opinion rather than a collective decision of Bende leaders.
“That so-called communiqué read out by our brother Hon. P.C. Mba and using our collective patrimony was in bad taste and we disassociate ourselves from it. No Bende Forum has adopted Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu or any other candidate,” the communiqué declared.
On the issue of zoning of the Bende Federal Constituency seat, the stakeholders said all qualified aspirants should be allowed to contest, urging anyone interested in serving the people of Bende to come forward with their credentials.
“We hereby encourage anybody who wishes to serve Bende or wishes to continue occupying the seat of Bende to march forward with their credentials,” they stated.
The stakeholders called for unity among political actors in Bende, warning against actions that could create division ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Enough of bickerings and dwelling on things that can only divide us. Bende is one. We call on all who mean well for Bende to come together to have a genuine, united and renewed Bende Forum,” the communiqué added.
They urged members of the public to disregard statements issued in the name of the Bende Forum until a properly constituted body is established, while expressing commitment to peaceful and issue-based political engagements.
Earlier, the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Hon. Deacon Uwabunkonye Bassey, said he convened the meeting in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the council area to clarify that the purported communiqué did not represent the views of Bende leaders.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders and members of major political parties in Bende, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
