NEWS
“I Am Not Going To Allow You To Do This Campaign Alone” — Former Ikpeazu’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere Affirms, Declares Support for Governor Alex Otti’s 2027 Re-Election Bid, Mobilises 8,000-Member Oweh Structure for Labour Party
Former Abia State Commissioner for Information and former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, has openly declared support for the second-term ambition of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, pledging to actively participate in the governor’s 2027 re-election campaign and mobilise political support across the state.
Prof. Agbazuere, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, made the declaration on Wednesday during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, where he arrived alongside members of his political movement, popularly known as the “Oweh Structure”.
The former Chief of Staff said that Governor Otti’s performance and visible developmental strides across Abia State had convinced him that the governor deserves another term in office.
According to him, the administration has distinguished itself through transformational infrastructural projects, people-oriented governance and deliberate efforts aimed at repositioning the state for sustainable growth and development.
Prof. Agbazuere described Governor Otti as “a good striker” who should not be substituted, revealing that his political structure has over 8,000 loyal members fully prepared to support the governor’s re-election project in 2027.
He explained that his decision to formally identify with Governor Otti was borne out of conviction and the need to openly support a government that has continued to attract commendations from Abians and residents alike.
“Our mission is simple. I felt, and I still feel, that I am not going to allow you to do this campaign alone.
“If somebody even looks at those aspiring to become governor, they can’t match you,” he said.
Prof. Agbazuere further applauded the administration’s infrastructural revolution, particularly the reconstruction and expansion of strategic roads in Umuahia and Aba, which he noted have significantly transformed the landscape of the state capital and commercial city.
“At my level, I say what I see. From FMC down to Okpara Square, you see the pedestrian divides created to protect road users.
“You promised to make Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard six lanes and in less than two years, you achieved it and extended beyond the Tower to Onu Imo,” Prof Agbazuere stated.
He also commended the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the transformation of the former Secretary to the State Government’s office axis and the renovation of the Michael Okpara Auditorium, describing them as practical evidence of purposeful leadership and commitment to development.
“I want to congratulate you on your achievements so far. If we are not convinced, we will not come,” Prof. Agbazuere stated.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti appreciated Prof. Agbazuere and members of the Oweh Structure for acknowledging what he described as the modest achievements recorded by his administration since assuming office.
The governor stated that governance must be measured by the impact it has on the lives of the people, stressing that his administration remains focused on delivering meaningful development projects across all sectors of the state.
“We are happy that the impact has been felt because that is what governance is about. If you are not impactful, it means you are not doing anything,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that his administration would continue to intensify developmental efforts and accelerate the pace of governance in the coming months.
“We will continue and we will not remove our feet from the throttle. If anything, we will begin to run faster,” he said.
In what appeared to be a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Otti welcomed Prof. Agbazuere and members of the Oweh Structure into the Labour Party fold and directed his Chief of Staff to immediately facilitate their registration into the party.
“Primaries are going to come in one week or so and it will be nice if your registration happens quickly so that you can participate,” he said.
The governor further assured the group that the Labour Party remains an inclusive political platform that guarantees equal opportunities and privileges for both old and new members.
“Our party does not discriminate between old and new members; the day you join, you enjoy equal rights with everybody,” he added.
The high-level meeting was attended by top government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; and the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.