From Godwin Asiegbu,Umuahia
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has thrown its weight behind the re-election bids of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement dated October 29, 2026, the organisation, which comprises honourably discharged and serving members of the United States Armed Forces of Igbo origin, appealed to eligible voters across Abia State to support both leaders for another term in office.
AVID said its endorsement was informed by what it described as the impressive performance, purposeful leadership and measurable developmental achievements recorded under Governor Otti’s administration, alongside Aguocha’s legislative contributions and commitment to constituency development.
According to the organisation, Governor Otti has demonstrated considerable leadership capacity in less than three years in office, particularly in addressing infrastructure deficiencies, improving public services and strengthening the state’s financial management.
The group highlighted the administration’s reported completion of more than 414 road projects across Abia State, with several others ongoing. It also acknowledged the renovation and rehabilitation of hundreds of primary healthcare centres, expansion of health insurance coverage and the return of thousands of children to school.
On fiscal management, AVID noted that the state had reportedly reduced its debt burden by approximately 70 per cent while making significant improvements in national rankings for fiscal transparency and overall performance.
The organisation maintained that these developments represent tangible progress rather than political promises, adding that sustained leadership would be necessary to consolidate the achievements and strengthen Abia’s position as a major commercial and industrial centre in the South-East.
On the legislative front, AVID also commended Hon. Obi Aguocha for what it described as his dedication to effective representation, legislative productivity and grassroots development.
The group specifically acknowledged his constituency-based interventions, educational support programmes for indigent students and consistent advocacy for the interests of his constituents and the wider South-East region.
It argued that maintaining such representation in the National Assembly would be important in protecting Abia’s interests at the federal level and ensuring that ongoing legislative and developmental initiatives receive sustained attention.
Consequently, AVID called on Abians not to jeopardise the progress already recorded, insisting that Governor Otti deserves another term to institutionalise ongoing reforms, complete critical infrastructure projects and strengthen fiscal responsibility and service delivery.
Similarly, the organisation expressed confidence that Aguocha’s re-election would guarantee continued strong, active and result-oriented representation for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
Looking ahead to 2027, AVID urged eligible voters across the state to prioritise performance, competence and continuity in making their electoral decisions, while encouraging them to disregard what it described as distractions and manufactured controversies.
The statement was signed by the organisation’s President, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia; Secretary, Chief Dr. Godson Obiagwu; and Public Relations Officer, Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Offor, P.E.
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The organisation concluded with a strong message underscoring its position on the forthcoming elections: “Performance must be rewarded. Progress must be sustained.”
