Bende Town Youths Back Chima Anyaso, Vow to Mobilise, Protect Votes in 2027

Youths from Okputong, Agbamuzu, Amaugwu, Isiegbu, Isiala, Umuorie, Umuokoro, Okporoenyi and Ukpom communities in Bende Town have declared their support for the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The youths made their position known on Saturday during a meeting with Anyaso at the Okputong Community Hall, Bende Town, where they pledged to mobilise their various youth groups, vote massively for Labour Party candidates and protect their votes throughout the electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Chinedu Ude, Alice Kalu and Okorie Ugboaja assured Anyaso of their commitment to his campaign, promising to mobilise young people across Bende Town for the Labour Party.

The Youth Chairman said, “With my little power, with my group and those with me, we shall work, vote and defend our votes for you.”

The youths also promised to give Anyaso a rousing reception whenever he visits Bende Town, stressing that young people across the area had resolved to support his aspiration.

“All the youths in Bende have resolved to work for you. Anytime you want to come to Bende Town, we will wait for you at Agbamazu and lead you into Bende Community,” they said.

Responding, Anyaso thanked the youths for hosting him and providing an opportunity for direct interaction, but expressed concern over the poor condition of the Okputong Community Hall.

He described the state of the facility as unacceptable and challenged the community’s representative to renovate it within one month.

“This hall is not befitting for a Federal House member from this town. Go and tell your brother to do it within one month; if not, I will come and fix it,” he said.

The Labour Party candidate also called for greater attention to the development needs of communities, urging elected representatives to prioritise projects that directly impact their constituents.

He questioned the rationale behind taking development interventions to other communities while facilities in one’s immediate constituency remain in poor condition.

“In Igbere, we have four functional hospitals in Igbere. We don’t want hospital; let him come and fix his place,” Anyaso said.

On the 2027 elections, Anyaso urged the youths not to be discouraged by fears of electoral manipulation, assuring them that the will of the electorate would prevail.

“In this 2027 election, there will be no rigging. We won’t allow it to happen,” he declared.

“Governor Alex Otti won’t take rigging and irregularities lightly. Whoever wins should take it, but nobody will be cheated. Election 2027 will be free and fair,” he added.

He further charged the youths to remain committed to Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilisation in determining the outcome of the 2027 polls.

In a separate address, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Anyim Eke, reminded the youths of what he described as an existing understanding between the APC and its candidate regarding the rotation and tenure of representation in Bende Federal Constituency.

Eke said the arrangement was for two tenures, arguing that any attempt to seek a third tenure would amount to a departure from the understanding.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Hon. DCN Uwabunkonye Bassey; the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Ngozi Sandra; the Leader of the Council; and the Labour Party candidate for Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Edwin Okorie, urged the youths to intensify mobilisation for Anyaso and other Labour Party candidates.

They called for unity, dedication and sustained grassroots engagement, expressing confidence that a coordinated campaign would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Labour Party in Bende Local Government Area, Sir Lawrence Eze, commended the youths for hosting Anyaso and creating an avenue for the candidate to interact directly with the people of Bende Town.

He described the engagement as an important step toward strengthening grassroots participation and building a closer relationship between the Labour Party’s candidates and the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections.