Abia Mandate for Future Endorses Emeruwa, Vows 17-LGA Mobilisation

The Abia Mandate for Future, a political support group, has endorsed the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, for re-election, declaring that it only identifies with “saleable” candidates and leaders with demonstrable records of performance.

The group made its position known when its leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker at the Abia State Legislative House in Umuahia.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its Convener, Hon. Gabriel Idika Ukairo, said the endorsement was informed by Emeruwa’s record of effective representation, legislative leadership and commitment to the development of Aba South and Abia State.

Ukairo commended the Speaker for his leadership style and support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, assuring him of the group’s readiness to mobilise support for his re-election bid in Aba South.

He said the group would work tirelessly at the grassroots, mobilising across the 17 local government areas of the state in support of Emeruwa and other candidates it considers capable of delivering good governance.

According to him, the Abia Mandate for Future was currently engaging political office holders, stakeholders and aspirants to assess their programmes, records and capacity before deciding whom to endorse.

“We believe in a better Abia. Anybody we should endorse must be saleable for Abians to buy,” Ukairo said, stressing that the group would not support candidates merely for political expediency.

He explained that the group’s endorsement would be based on the ability of candidates to convince the electorate through their records, vision and capacity to deliver meaningful development.

Responding, Speaker Emeruwa thanked the group for the endorsement and assured its members of his continued commitment to good governance, people-oriented legislation and the development of Abia State.

Emeruwa said the fundamental objective of the 8th Assembly was to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and improve the welfare of Abians through effective legislation and the necessary support for the executive arm of government.

He noted that the achievements of the Governor Otti-led administration, coupled with the performance of the 8th Assembly, had continued to attract the admiration of Abians, expressing confidence that the Labour Party would perform strongly in the 2027 elections.

According to the Speaker, the principle that “the reward for good work is more work” would guide the party’s post-2027 consolidation efforts, with Governor Otti, himself and other Labour Party candidates expected to build on their achievements.

Emeruwa, however, charged the Abia Mandate for Future to sustain its grassroots mobilisation across the 17 LGAs while keeping its political advocacy issue-based.

He urged the group to avoid sycophancy and divisive politics, stressing the need for constructive engagement and a political narrative focused on good governance and the overall interest of Abians.