A new political support group, Alpha Abia RISE, has been unveiled in Umuahia with a mission to deepen, defend and institutionalise the governing philosophy of Governor Alex Otti.
The group held its inaugural summit in Umuahia on Monday, drawing leaders and representatives from the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State, stakeholders, women leader Chief Mrs Orieji Emele Osonwa, and diaspora members.
Speaking at the summit, Convener Ugochukwu Okororafor said Alpha Abia RISE was not built around Otti as a person, but around the principles his administration represents.
“This summit today marks the first deliberate step towards the formal mainstreaming of the Alpha Abia RISE Movement into the politics of Abia State and Nigeria,” Okororafor said.
“We have not gathered merely to create another political association. We have gathered to organize conviction, strengthen a successful political family, and give enduring institutional form to a philosophy that has restored hope to our people.”
He listed the core principles as:
– Competent leadership
– Accountability
– Service
– Merit
– Prudent management of resources
– Dignity of labour
“We are choosing progress over regression, service over self-interest, excellence over mediocrity, and hope over despair,” he added.
Okororafor clarified that the group will work within the broader ABIA RISE family and the Labour Party, and will focus on inclusive mobilisation of women, youth, workers, professionals, artisans, faith groups, persons with disabilities, and Abians in the diaspora.
“This is not about the politics of entitlement. Leadership must be measured by service, integrity, competence, and results,” he said.
The coordinator of the group, *Dr Godwin Duru*, charged members to return to their communities with clarity and humility and prepare for future elections.
“Build bridges. Bring back those who have withdrawn in disappointment. Make room for new voices. Speak about what has changed and what remains to be done. Let history record that when Abia began to rise, we did not stand aside,” Duru said.
The launch comes a day after RMAFC Chairman Dr Muhammed Shehu described Abia as the best-governed state in Nigeria under Otti, citing improvements in fiscal transparency, debt reduction, road infrastructure and healthcare.
Alpha Abia RISE says it will reconnect those who feel unheard and create avenues for citizens who want to contribute to the state’s transformation.
