Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has formally endorsed Dr Chima Anyaso, popularly called OFUJI, as the Labour Party’s candidate for Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for a showdown with the incumbent Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Otti unveiled Anyaso as the party’s flag bearer on Sunday during a campaign launch at Umuahia Township Stadium. The gathering attracted party executives, serving lawmakers at both federal and state levels, government representatives and supporters.
While addressing the crowd, the governor appealed to Abia residents to vote for Labour Party candidates, maintaining that the party remained committed to advancing the interests of the electorate.
Otti subsequently handed the party flag to Anyaso, invoking the names of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit during the presentation.
In his response, Anyaso said receiving the flag marked a significant step towards his political aspiration, pledging to intensify his campaign through extensive outreach across Bende.
He disclosed plans to take his message to every local government area, all 13 electoral wards and the 214 polling units within the constituency.
According to him, his campaign strategy would prioritise face-to-face interactions with residents, grassroots mobilisation and identifying the challenges confronting communities.
The Labour Party hopeful further noted that his political structure had maintained a presence in Bende even before the official commencement of campaign activities.
He expressed optimism that his agenda, which centres on development and effective representation, would attract widespread support from voters.
Anyaso’s emergence as the Labour Party’s candidate positions him against Benjamin Kalu, the current lawmaker representing Bende Federal Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The contest is expected to draw considerable political attention as both camps prepare to secure the support of constituents ahead of the 2027 elections.
