A political coalition in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a strategic alliance aimed at attracting greater political representation, federal appointments, employment opportunities and infrastructural development to the community.
The coalition, known as the Nkporo4PBAT Presidential and Alex Otti Governorship Campaign Council, made its position known through its newly appointed Director General, Bldr. Dr. Chukwu Kalu Ebei, in his official acceptance speech.
Ebei said his appointment marked the beginning of a coordinated political movement designed to advance the interests of Nkporo people through engagement with both the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, irrespective of party affiliations.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with traditional leaders, village heads, women and youth leaders, business executives and political stakeholders drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
According to him, the coalition was established on the principle of placing Nkporo’s development above partisan considerations.
“This is not a party affair. This is a coalition across party lines. This is Nkporo First,” Ebei declared.
He maintained that the community could achieve greater political and economic benefits by building strategic relationships with governments at both the federal and state levels.
“If Nkporo must grow, Nkporo must be in government at both the Centre and the State,” he stated.
Ebei expressed appreciation to the founder and Grand Patron of the movement, High Chief Jackson Ude, Odozi Obodo 1 and 2 of Nkporo, whom he described as a committed philanthropist and community development advocate.
He commended Ude for his contributions to youth empowerment, scholarships, assistance to widows and vulnerable residents, as well as efforts to facilitate employment opportunities for Nkporo indigenes in federal institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Nigerian Ports Authority.
The newly appointed Director General argued that Ude’s relationship with the Tinubu administration could provide additional opportunities for the community to benefit from federal programmes and appointments.
He also thanked the coalition’s Coordinator, Hon. Ogbuagu Anthony S., and other stakeholders for finding him worthy of the appointment.
Explaining the decision to support President Tinubu, Ebei acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but argued that some of the Federal Government’s reforms were beginning to produce positive outcomes.
He cited increased Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributions, improvements in external reserves, initiatives aimed at strengthening local petroleum refining and the Federal Government’s student loan programme.
According to him, monthly FAAC allocations had increased from approximately ₦700 billion to more than ₦1.6 trillion, providing state governments with additional resources to execute development projects.
Ebei maintained that Nkporo should position itself to benefit from federal opportunities through negotiation, political participation and effective representation.
“Sentiment does not build roads, sentiment does not give jobs, sentiment does not give appointments. But negotiations, strategic alignment and good representation do,” he said.
He identified federal board appointments, ministerial opportunities, civil service employment and infrastructure development as some of the benefits the coalition hopes to pursue through its political engagement.
Turning to Abia State, Ebei praised Governor Alex Otti’s administration for its infrastructure projects, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and urban renewal initiatives in Umuahia and Aba.
He specifically referenced the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, describing it as one of the administration’s notable infrastructure interventions.
According to him, the coalition believes that maintaining a working relationship with the Otti administration could create opportunities for Nkporo indigenes to secure appointments, participate in government programmes and attract development projects to their communities.
He argued that political differences should not prevent communities from engaging governments in pursuit of their collective interests.
“This is therefore a strategic alignment: Tinubu at the Centre, Otti at the State. That way, Nkporo is covered at both levels,” Ebei stated.
Outlining his plans as Director General, Ebei pledged to coordinate the coalition’s activities across Nkporo communities, including Amurie, Elughu, Ndi-Nko, Obuofia, Agbaja, Etitiama, Ukwa and Okwoko.
He also promised to engage Nkporo indigenes in the diaspora and work with community stakeholders to strengthen the movement’s organisational structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ebei said his previous community development interventions in Nkporo and neighbouring Abiriba demonstrated his commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
He assured members of the coalition that he would discharge his responsibilities with dedication, transparency and a strong sense of community service.
The development comes amid emerging political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various groups exploring cross-party cooperation to advance their political and developmental interests.
Although President Tinubu belongs to the APC and Governor Otti was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, the Nkporo coalition maintains that its decision is driven by community interests rather than party loyalty.
The declaration represents the position of the coalition and does not necessarily reflect the political preferences of all Nkporo residents or the official positions of the political parties involved.
Ebei concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the movement and expressing optimism that sustained political engagement could help improve Nkporo’s access to government opportunities and development initiatives.
