2027: Group rejects Ngwa diaspora endorsement of Otti
By Ugochukwu Alaribe
UMUAHIA — The Coalition of Concerned and Patriotic Ngwa Citizens, CCPNC, has faulted the endorsement of Abia State Governor Alex Otti for a second term by the Ngwa National Association, USA, NNAUSA.
NNAUSA, an association of Ngwa indigenes resident in the United States, had adopted Otti as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
However, the CCPNC, in a statement by its Convener and Secretary, Mr Chukwuemeka Obinna and Engr. Joe Nkoro, respectively, disagreed with the endorsement, saying it did not reflect the views of all Ngwa people.
The group argued that Otti had not done enough to merit the support of the Ngwa people for a second term and urged residents at home and in the diaspora to critically assess the endorsement.
It also challenged the leadership of NNAUSA to undertake an independent assessment of communities across Ngwa land before taking further positions on the governor’s performance.
The statement read in part: “We state without fear of contradiction that the position taken by the leadership of NNAUSA was borne out of sheer ignorance, elitist detachment, and utter selfishness.”
However, the group was urged to substantiate its claims with specific evidence.
The CCPNC alleged that there were infrastructure and development challenges in several communities across Ngwa land, and called on NNAUSA to visit the communities to assess the situation firsthand.
It said: “We hereby challenge the executive body of NNAUSA to immediately suspend their remote political declarations and send an independent, unbiased delegation to communities across Ngwaland.
“Let them walk the inner roads of our villages, visit our local schools, interact with rural dwellers, and see things for themselves.”
The group also criticised what it described as the governor’s treatment of the Ngwa people since he assumed office.
According to the statement, the Ngwa people played an important role in supporting Otti’s political aspirations and electoral victory, and therefore expected greater attention to development needs in the area.
The CCPNC alleged that some developmental needs in Ngwa communities had not received adequate attention and questioned the basis for NNAUSA’s endorsement of the governor.
It said the association should consider the views and experiences of residents in the affected communities before making political endorsements.
The coalition maintained that its position was intended to draw attention to what it described as the need for accountability and broader consultation ahead of the 2027 election.