The Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial Candidate for the 2027 General Elections, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON (Ugo’Ena Abiriba), has assured Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, of the unwavering support of the people of Abia North, declaring that the zone remains fully committed to protecting and consolidating the remarkable transformation currently taking place across Abia State.

Bourdex gave the assurance while delivering a goodwill address during Governor Alex Otti’s reception in Umunneochi Local Government Area, where thousands of party faithful, community leaders and residents gathered to celebrate what they described as the Governor’s outstanding achievements in office.

The Labour Party senatorial flag bearer said the event was not another routine political gathering but a historic moment where grateful citizens assembled to appreciate a leader whose performance has continued to redefine governance in Abia State.

According to him, Governor Otti’s administration has demonstrated that leadership is measured not by speeches but by tangible improvements in the lives of the people.

“The Labour Party forward ever! In excellence, our performing Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti,” Bourdex declared to loud applause.

He said the gathering was centered on gratitude rather than politics, noting that Abians had every reason to appreciate a Governor whose projects and policies continue to speak louder than campaign promises.

Quoting an African proverb, Bourdex stated that when someone helps another person cross a river, the proper response is gratitude rather than criticism.

He explained that the same principle applies to Governor Otti’s administration, which, according to him, has restored hope where many people had almost resigned themselves to poor governance.

“There was a time when many Abians almost accepted poor governance as our destiny. Roads were abandoned, public institutions deteriorated and promises became more common than performance. But God, in His mercy, gave us a leader who chose action over excuses,” he said.

The Labour Party stalwart noted that under Governor Otti’s leadership, Abia has embraced a new culture of discipline, accountability, visible development and responsible governance.

He maintained that residents no longer ask where government is because government has returned to the people through impactful projects and responsive leadership.

According to Bourdex, several sectors have witnessed unprecedented improvements, including road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education and public service, resulting in renewed public confidence in government.

He cited the recent visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete as evidence that Abia’s transformation is attracting national attention.

Bourdex recalled that during the visit, the First Lady announced a ₦2 billion intervention for the Akwete weaving industry, describing the gesture as far more than financial assistance.

According to him, the intervention represented a strong vote of confidence in Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and the New Abia vision.

“A few days ago, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited Akwete. She saw the transformation taking place in our state and announced a ₦2 billion intervention for the Akwete weaving industry. That intervention was more than an investment in Akwete; it was a vote of confidence in the leadership and direction of Governor Alex Otti,” he stated.

Adding a humorous touch to his speech, Bourdex remarked that large gatherings in Abia are no longer associated with political campaigns or ceremonies but with the commissioning of completed government projects.

“These days, whenever I see a large gathering in Abia, I no longer ask who is getting married. I simply ask which project Governor Alex Otti is commissioning today.”

He added that unlike previous administrations where politicians visited communities with promises, Governor Otti now visits communities to inaugurate completed projects.

Bourdex further urged Abians not to interrupt the progress already achieved by the current administration.

Using practical analogies familiar to ordinary people, he questioned the wisdom of abandoning a productive farmer before harvest, stopping a mason after laying a solid foundation or replacing a mechanic immediately after successfully repairing a faulty vehicle.

“When a farmer plants a healthy yam that is producing abundantly, do you uproot it before harvest? When a mason has built a beautiful foundation, do you stop him before the roof is completed? When your mechanic finally repairs your vehicle after years of trouble, do you hand the keys to someone who has never opened the bonnet? Then why should anyone ask Abians to interrupt progress?” he asked.

The Labour Party senatorial candidate described development as a continuous process that requires consistency and sustained leadership.

He stressed that Governor Otti has already laid a strong foundation for a prosperous Abia and deserves the opportunity to complete the transformation already underway.

Bourdex maintained that the gathering in Umunneochi was not merely a reception or political endorsement but a clear declaration by the people that good governance deserves encouragement and continuity.

He concluded by giving Governor Otti a firm assurance that the people of Abia North remain solidly behind him.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the people of Abia North, I assure you that we recognize and appreciate your commitment to our state. By the grace of God Almighty, we shall continue to work together to protect the progress that has begun and ensure that Abia continues on this path of transformation,” Bourdex declared.

Political observers believe the statement further reinforces the growing alliance between Governor Otti’s administration and key Labour Party leaders ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as the party intensifies consultations and grassroots mobilization across the state.