The Council of Village Heads of Isiala Aba La Ohazu, comprising 13 autonomous communities in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, has declared its support for Governor Alex Otti’s second-term ambition and the re-election bid of the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The community leaders also pledged their support for other Labour Party candidates, citing accessibility, trust, grassroots inclusion and confidence in the leadership of the governor and the Speaker as reasons for their decision.
Speaking during an engagement with Speaker Emeruwa, the village heads commended him for facilitating the official registration of their forum with the government, describing the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to grassroots development and community participation in governance.
They praised the Speaker for his humility, accessibility and consistent engagement with traditional community leaders, stressing that their endorsement was a collective decision based on their experiences with his leadership.
“We have chosen you, and that is our stand. We are the real grassroots, based on our positions in our different communities. We cannot trade you for anything less. You are accessible and down to earth. You are tested and trusted, and we are with you,” the village heads declared.
The leaders further assured Governor Otti of their commitment to supporting his bid to complete two terms in office, while reaffirming their loyalty to Speaker Emeruwa and other Labour Party candidates.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Emeruwa explained that his visit was part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders across Aba South State Constituency to formally communicate his intention to seek re-election in 2027.
He also solicited continued support for Governor Otti, whom he described as the “Nehemiah of our time,” drawing parallels between the governor’s development efforts and the biblical account of rebuilding and restoration.
Emeruwa urged the community leaders to support the continuity of the Otti administration, maintaining that the governor’s re-election would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing development initiatives across Abia State.
He encouraged the village heads to sustain their relationship with the government and continue playing active roles in promoting peace, unity and development within their communities.
The meeting also featured special prayers for Governor Otti, Speaker Emeruwa and Abia State, with the community leaders seeking divine guidance, protection and wisdom for the state’s leadership.
Among those who accompanied the Speaker were the Director-General of the Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa Campaign Council, Ambassador Uche Ugwuzor; the Speaker’s Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Hon. Paul Emeruwa; and former Aba South Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Chima Mbama-Oshomole.
Others included Barr. Chiji Nkaru, Comrade Chibuzor Nworu, Hon. Young Ukaumunna Abacha, Hon. Chukwuma Abiayi, the Speaker’s Chief of Staff, Hon. C.J., and his Liaison Officer, Hon. Macdonald Nwakue.
Also present were Prince Arthur Ajuzieogu, Hon. Nkiru Ugwu, Mrs. Ijeoma Sarah and other political stakeholders.
The engagement ended with the village heads reiterating their support for Governor Otti, Speaker Emeruwa and the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The endorsement adds to the expressions of political support being received by the governor and the Speaker as consultations and political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.
