The Labour Party has drawn a battle line ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abia State, vowing that “no rigging will succeed” and that security will be provided to protect every vote.
The assurance was given on Sunday by *China Anyaso*, the Labour Party candidate for *Bende Federal Constituency*, during a stakeholders’ meeting in the constituency.
*”There Will Be No Writing Of Results”*
Speaking on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, Anyaso warned political actors planning electoral malpractice.
“I’m speaking on behalf of Governor Alex Otti that there will be no rigging of elections anywhere in Abia State come the 2027 general election,” he said.
“Anybody, like the governor said, that is planning to write the election should go and write his will first. There will be no writing of election results in Abia State.”
He added that while candidates are free to campaign, the Otti-led administration will ensure that every legitimate vote counts.
“There will be adequate security to protect our votes. Do not be scared of anybody calling himself whatever number. Two is bigger than one,” Anyaso declared.
*Track Record and Zoning Agreement*
Anyaso, who has spent over 20 years in oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, told constituents he would not disappoint them if elected. He cited his philanthropic work, including building a nursery and primary school for the Ndebende community at age 26.
“Since 2008 till today, we have been training over 500 children for free. They don’t pay a dime. It is there and verifiable,” he said.
On zoning, Anyaso recalled a 2019 agreement reached at the palace of Eze Patrick Ude, where stakeholders resolved that the Bende Federal Constituency seat should rotate between Bende North and Bende South blocs.
He argued that equity demands the seat return to *Bende North* after the completion of the tenure of the current occupant, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, *Benjamin Kalu*, who began in 2019.
“In America, a handshake is an agreement. We agreed in 2019 that after eight years, it will come back to us. Our people are not people you can easily deceive,” he said.
*Traditional Rulers Back Rotation*
Corroborating the zoning agreement, *HRH Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu*, Third Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and monarch of Igbere, confirmed that 65 traditional rulers from Bende signed the document.
“I was part of the signing of the agreement. Eze Akaliro, Patrick Ude, we were the four who signed the agreement as leaders of traditional rulers, which had 65 monarchs from Bende,” he said.
Anyaso urged constituents to remain calm, continue supporting Governor Otti’s vision, and work for Labour Party victory in 2027. He also dismissed allegations linking him to controversies over budget allocation, saying: “That which God has destined and whose time has come, nobody can stop it.”