NEWS
Aba North Chairman, Timothy Iheke Receives New AIMATA Leadership, Charges Them on Voter Mobilisation Ahead of Elections
The Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, received the newly inaugurated leadership of the Ariaria International Market Traders Association (AIMATA) at his office, in a visit aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening ties with the local government administration.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of AIMATA, Chief Polycarp Muojiuba, popularly known as Tariea Aku, and comprised key members of the association’s executive council, including the Vice Chairman, Mazi Sir Ufere Inyama; Secretary, Mr. Christian Nwachukwu; Treasurer, Chief Ikechukwu Ozukwe (I.K. Umuahia); Women Leader, Mrs. Chinwe Onwura, alongside other officials.
Welcoming the new market leadership, Hon. Iheke expressed appreciation for the visit and apologized for the delay in hosting receiving, attributing it to the demands of his official engagements.
The Chairman described Ariaria as a strategic political and economic hub that cannot be ignored by any serious administration. Reflecting on past political campaigns, he noted that many supporters had made sacrifices in the area, emphasizing that Ariaria has historically remained a focal point of political activities and mobilisation.
According to him, Ariaria Ward remains one of the critical political strongholds in Aba North and plays a decisive role during elections. He urged the new AIMATA leadership to work diligently towards ensuring overwhelming support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti in future electoral contest.
Hon. Iheke further stressed that while Governor Otti’s administration is committed to peace and good governance, it remains focused on protecting its achievements and consolidating its support base across the state.
The Aba North Mayor also called on the AIMATA leadership to intensify the ongoing Electronic Registration (E-Registration) exercise and the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, stressing that every stakeholder has a role to play in the democratic process. He maintained that individuals and groups would be assigned specific responsibilities aimed at ensuring effective grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier in his remarks, AIMATA Chairman, Chief Polycarp Muojiuba, stated that although the current executive had spent nearly a month in office, it was important for the leadership to formally identify with and align with the administration of the Aba North Chairman.
He appreciated the support the market association has continued to receive from the local government and appealed for sustained assistance, particularly in the area of voter education and registration.
Chief Muojiuba disclosed that the association had already directed all zonal chairmen within the Ariaria International Market to intensify sensitisation and mobilisation efforts for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
As part of the market’s commitment to increasing voter participation, he formally announced that the Ariaria International Market would be temporarily shut down on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to enable traders and other stakeholders participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The development underscores the growing partnership between the Aba North Local Government and the leadership of one of Africa’s largest trading hubs, with both parties expressing commitment to civic engagement, grassroots mobilisation, and strengthening democratic participation ahead
of future elections.