A group known as the Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ukwa la Ngwa has rejected the reported endorsement of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as the sole candidate of Ukwa la Ngwa extraction for the 2027 governorship election.
The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday, faulted the communiqué released after the general meeting of the Ukwa la Ngwa–Aba Union held on May 9, 2026, in Aba, describing the endorsement as undemocratic and lacking broad consultation.
According to the group, no socio-cultural organization has the constitutional or moral authority to impose a political direction on the entire Ukwa la Ngwa people, insisting that democratic rights must be protected.
They argued that the attempt to endorse one individual months before the election was capable of undermining democratic values such as healthy competition, accountability and freedom of choice.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of Governor Otti to seek re-election, the group condemned what it described as efforts to turn a socio-cultural platform into a political campaign structure.
The statement further criticized the section of the communiqué which allegedly urged Ukwa la Ngwa sons and daughters not to contest against the governor in 2027, describing the position as oppressive, anti-democratic and insulting to the political aspirations of qualified individuals from the area.
The group questioned the authority of a few individuals to determine who should aspire to political office, insisting that Ukwa la Ngwa Nation cannot be reduced to the political ambition of one person.
According to them, genuine unity and progress can only thrive where there is consultation, inclusion and respect for divergent opinions, warning against what they termed the growing culture of personality worship in the state’s political environment.
They maintained that leadership should be assessed based on measurable achievements, transparency, equity and economic inclusion rather than emotional propaganda or orchestrated endorsements.
The group also warned that blind political loyalty had historically led many regions into division and economic setbacks, stressing that the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for issue-based campaigns, performance assessment and democratic participation.
The statement urged youths in Ukwa la Ngwa not to allow themselves to be used for elite political interests, but to preserve independent political judgment.
The group equally called on political stakeholders across Abia State to avoid actions capable of overheating the polity and deepening divisions among the different components of the state.
Reaffirming its position, the Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ukwa la Ngwa said it stands for democracy, consultation, inclusion, merit and collective interest over political imposition and personal ambition.
The group also advised Theo Nkire and other leaders associated with the endorsement to reconsider their actions, warning against any move capable of undermining the democratic freedom of the Ukwa la Ngwa people.
