A group of non-partisan stakeholders from Abiriba in Abia North Senatorial District has endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term, citing what it described as his outstanding performance across critical sectors of the state.

The group, made up of leaders of a non-political alliance for good governance in Abia State, alongside stakeholders, captains of industry, professionals and opinion leaders from Abia North, announced its position after its inaugural meeting held at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the group's spokesman and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the gathering was convened to discuss strategies for sustaining the model of good governance introduced by the Otti administration beyond 2031.

"The purpose was simple: to ensure that good governance in Abia is preserved and sustained," he said.

Mkpa noted that participants were drawn from all five local government areas in Abia North—Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.

He stressed that those in attendance were accomplished individuals who were not seeking political appointments or personal benefits from the government.

"The stakeholders, opinion leaders, captains of industry, accomplished professionals and prime movers present are not seeking patronage. They are self-made Abians who, by God's grace, need nothing from government except to see good governance sustained," he added.

According to him, participants unanimously praised Governor Otti's performance in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, security, transportation and public service.

"It was unanimous that Abia has never had it so good. The governor does not need extensive campaigns because his work speaks for him," Mkpa said.

The group also resolved to mobilise eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections and work towards securing the election of candidates from the governor's political party into the State and National Assembly.

In addition, members pledged to preserve the governance model established by the Otti administration beyond 2031 by supporting future administrations that would build on the current achievements.

Also speaking, businessman and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens Football Club, Robert Onyeani, said the improved road infrastructure in Abia North has boosted private investment and business activities in the area.

"He has reconstructed the road from Umuahia to Arochukwu. I relocated my two football teams and my hotel to Abiriba because of the improved road infrastructure. Our stakeholders have agreed to do everything possible to ensure Governor Otti is re-elected in 2027 and succeeds in handing over to a credible successor who will sustain what he has started," Onyeani said.

The host of the meeting, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, said the gathering deliberately excluded career politicians and individuals seeking government appointments.

"Nobody here is seeking political office or anything from the governor. We are Abians who have witnessed a different style of governance. For over 25 years, Abia was in a deplorable condition. As a businessman in Aba, many of us had to relocate for safety. That has changed," he said.

Ezikpe added that the group was united in its support for Governor Otti's re-election and also committed to backing credible candidates who would work with the governor at both the state and federal legislative levels.