‘Abia Arise, Political Game Changer’ — Lawmaker Hails Otti

The lawmaker representing Ohafia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kalu Mba, has hailed Governor Alex Otti’s political structure, Abia Arise, as a transformative force in Abia State politics.

In an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER on Wednesday, Mba described the structure as “a powerful political movement” that has established an extensive grassroots presence across the state’s 17 local government areas and 182 wards.

“The presence is everywhere,” he said. “Not just at the local government level, but across the wards and polling units of the 17 local governments. It is a household name.”

Originally known as ‘Think Abia First’, the platform was rebranded as ‘Abia Arise’ following Governor Otti’s defection to the Labour Party. The governor will win elections, no matter the party he is in. Be it the Labour Party, Zenith Labour, or APC — even if Governor Alex Otti today decides to be an independent candidate, he will still emerge victorious in Abia State as Governor come 2027,” he declared.

Reflecting on their two-year tenure in the State Assembly, Mba gave himself and his colleagues a 60 per cent performance rating, attributing the score to their efforts in oversight and legislative functions.

“We’ve made significant progress, and I believe the next two years will be more impactful. We remain committed to representing our constituents and driving meaningful change across the state,” he said.

According to him, the continued success of Abia Arise lies in its grassroots reach, message of reform, and alignment with the aspirations of the people.

THE WHISTLER reports that Abia Arise is rapidly positioning itself as a dominant force in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. With growing endorsements and consolidation of support, political observers say the movement could shape the future of governance in Abia State.

According to Mba, the group’s primary objective is to consolidate support for the governor’s administration and policy agenda.

“The group’s primary objective is to rally support for the governor’s policies and programs,” the lawmaker explained.

In a show of solidarity, Mba announced the dissolution of his personal political structure, Etiokwe Grassroots Initiative, to merge fully with Abia Arise. He emphasised the need for unity among supporters of Governor Otti.

“I had my own personal structure, which I used to call ‘Etiokwe Grassroots Initiative’, but I’ve decided to collapse it completely into Abia Arise to avoid unnecessary conflict of interest among members,” he said.

Expressing unwavering confidence in the governor’s political capital, Mba asserted that Governor Otti would win re-election in 2027 irrespective of the political party he represents.

“The governor will win elections, no matter the party he is in. Be it the Labour Party, Zenith Labour, or the APC — even if Governor Alex Otti today decides to be an independent candidate, he will still emerge victorious in Abia State as governor come 2027,” he declared.

Reflecting on their two-year tenure in the State Assembly, Mba gave himself and his colleagues a 60 per cent performance rating, attributing the score to their efforts in oversight and legislative functions.

“We’ve made significant progress, and I believe the next two years will be more impactful. We remain committed to representing our constituents and driving meaningful change across the state,” he said.

According to him, the continued success of Abia Arise lies in its grassroots reach, message of reform, and alignment with the aspirations of the people.