Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has charged leaders and members of the Labour Party in Arochukwu Local Government Area to strengthen the party's grassroots structures, maintain unity and remain committed to serving the people.

Otti gave the charge on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Arochukwu, during a special Labour Party gathering that also witnessed the formal admission of members of opposition political parties into the party.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, welcomed the new members and urged them to bring their ideas, experience, energy and commitment to the development of the party.

Emetu also encouraged the new entrants to embrace the Labour Party's constitution, principles, discipline and organisational structures.

He said the gathering was not simply about political personalities but about building a strong political organisation, strengthening grassroots structures and preparing members for the responsibilities that come with political leadership.

“A political party's real strength is built at the grassroots: polling unit, ward and community levels. I therefore urge our leaders and party executives to return continuously to the grassroots. Engage our people. Listen to their concerns. Mobilise our youths. Empower and encourage our women. Keep our party structures active and ensure that every member feels valued and respected,” Emetu said.

The Deputy Governor further urged political candidates to remain humble, accessible and connected to their communities, noting that securing a party ticket should be seen as the beginning of an obligation to serve rather than an end in itself.

He called on candidates to work closely with party leaders and ensure that their individual aspirations were aligned with the broader objectives of the party.

According to him, the responsibilities of political leaders go beyond elections and include contributing to the development of Abia State.

Emetu said the Otti administration remained focused on institution-building, infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic opportunities and sustainable development. He added that political structures should complement governance by maintaining a direct connection with the people.

“Above all, let us always remember that political leadership is not an opportunity for self-enrichment, but a call to serve humanity. I urge all of you to remain committed, disciplined and united as we move forward,” he said.

He also challenged the people of Arochukwu to make the local government an example of political organisation, discipline, unity and commitment to service.

Speaking during the event, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu, commended Governor Otti for what he described as his development efforts across the state.

He also praised the relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

Okoro Kalu urged the people to remain united and support the administration's development agenda, while calling on Labour Party members to work together as the 2027 general elections approach.

In his goodwill message, the Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, described the gathering as an opportunity to discuss a new direction for Abia North.

Bourdex identified infrastructure, telecommunications, electricity, digital connectivity and economic opportunities as areas requiring sustained attention.

He said political representation should go beyond occupying elective positions and should involve creating practical connections between government institutions and communities.

Bourdex said his experience in business, telecommunications and local government administration had influenced his approach to public service. He maintained that public office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people.

He also called for political campaigns to focus on candidates' records, ideas and programmes rather than personalities and old political divisions.

In his welcome address, the Arochukwu Local Government Area Labour Party Chairman, Mazi G.N. Onuoha, thanked the new members for identifying with the party.

He described the Labour Party as a platform that accommodates people from different political backgrounds and said its organisational structure was designed to welcome new entrants without discrimination between existing members and those joining from other political parties.

The Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Prof. Chibuike Okereke Eze Aru, said the gathering was the first in a series of engagements planned across the five clans in the local government.

Eze Aru said the event was part of efforts to demonstrate the local government's preparedness for the 2027 elections and formally welcomed the new members into the Labour Party.

Also speaking, the Leader of Political Appointees in Arochukwu LGA and Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, highlighted ongoing and completed infrastructure projects in Arochukwu and neighbouring communities under the present administration.

Oti said a bridge project had been completed in four months, ahead of its initial six-month schedule, while the 30-kilometre Nzwaba-Arochukwu Road was completed in less than two years.

He added that the ongoing Bende-Ndimoko-Ndi Okereke-Okobo Road project, when completed, was expected to reduce the distance between Umuahia and Arochukwu to about 56 kilometres and bring travel time to approximately 45 minutes.

The Commissioner further disclosed that 16 internal roads were being developed or completed in Arochukwu, including roads around the General Hospital.

He also said tenders had been opened for the Amuru-St. Paul's-Isu Road project.

The new members from opposition political parties were formally admitted into the Labour Party by the party's National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, and received by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu.

Speaking on behalf of the new members, Barrister Mrs. Priscilla Emeham thanked Governor Otti and the Labour Party leadership for welcoming and accommodating them.

Emeham said the achievements of the Otti administration were evident across the state and explained that their decision to align with the administration's vision was a step in the right direction.

She pledged the new members' “unalloyed support” for the Otti administration and expressed their readiness to contribute to the state's development agenda.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, appreciated Governor Otti and his deputy for what he described as their efforts in the state and assured the Deputy Governor of the support of the people of Arochukwu.

The event was attended by government appointees from Arochukwu LGA, including Hon. Chinenye Nwaka, SSA on Women Affairs; Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, General Manager, ASEPA; Mr. Isaac Chimereze Okoro, MD/CEO, Abia State Microfinance and SME Bank; Dr. Iroy Orji, Commissioner, ABSCS; Dr. Steve Ochonma, Commissioner, ABSHAC; Prof. Idowu Eluwa, Provost, ASCETA; as well as Labour Party leaders and stakeholders, traditional rulers and other party faithful.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State