By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Aba, May 21, 2026
The Frontline Container Unloaders Union of Abia has endorsed Gov. Alex Otti for a second term in office, citing ongoing infrastructural transformation, improved security and enhanced business environment across Aba and other parts of the state.
The Union made the endorsement on Thursday during a mega solidarity rally held in Aba, attended by members of the 15 unions under the Frontline Container Unloaders Union, market leaders and political stakeholders.
Speaking during the rally, the President of the union, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwaeboh, said that the group organised the rally to demonstrate total support for the governor and readiness to support his re-election bid in 2027.
Nwaeboh said that the rehabilitation of critical roads in Aba had significantly improved business activities and eased the movement of container-bearing vehicles into markets.
He recalled that Ariaria Junction had remained impassable for many years, causing severe hardship for container unloaders and transporters.
“In the past, vehicles carrying containers usually got stuck around Ariaria Junction and we had to transfer goods into other vehicles, which was stressful and expensive.
“Today, roads such as Azikiwe Road by Asa Road, Ehi Road and Ama Ogbonna have been rehabilitated and this has made our work easier,” he said.
He also disclosed that the union had mobilised its members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the Union is fully prepared to continue supporting the present administration because of its achievements in infrastructure and economic development.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Union, Mr. Francis Azubuike, described the rally as the first of its kind in the history of the union.
Azubuike commended the governor for rehabilitating Port Harcourt Road and Emelogu Road, which he said had remained abandoned for over 24 years.
“For many years, people abandoned their businesses and properties because Port Harcourt Road was completely unmotorable.
“But within less than two years, Gov. Alex Otti reconstructed the road and restored economic activities in the area,” he said.
He further praised the state government for ongoing road projects and the establishment of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, which he described as an international-standard transport facility.
Azubike also lauded the introduction of the Abia Green Shuttle electric buses, saying the transport system now compares favourably with what is obtainable in developed countries.
He appreciated the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chief Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, for facilitating stronger engagement between the Union and the state government.
The Chairman of Ngwa Road Market, Mr. Munachimso Ejim, said that traders in the market had unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term due to the improved business environment created by the administration.
Ejim said that customers from different parts of the country could now access markets in Aba with ease following the rehabilitation of roads such as Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road and Ngwa Road.
“When I assumed office as chairman, the market was dilapidated, but today the market has taken a new look.
“The internal roads have been fixed and solar-powered streetlights installed across the market,” he said.
Ejim added that arrangements had also been concluded to ensure that traders in the market obtained their PVCs ahead of the elections.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre Market, Mr. Emeka Okeke, said that the present administration had changed the narrative of Abia from a backward state to one witnessing rapid infrastructural and economic development.
Okeke noted that roads within and around the market, including Ehi Road, Kent Road and Old Court Road, had been rehabilitated by the present administration.
He further commended the ongoing remodelling of Ekeoha Shopping Centre Market to international standard, saying the development had provided traders with a more conducive environment for business activities.
The Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr. Obialor Anyanwu, also commended the union for mobilising residents to participate actively in the democratic process through PVC registration.
Anyanwu urged residents, especially young people who would attain voting age before the elections, to register and participate actively in the electoral process.
According to him, elections are won at polling units and not on social media platforms.
He described the union as a critical part of the business community in Aba and acknowledged its contributions to democratic processes in previous elections.
The chairman reaffirmed support for the re-election of Gov. Otti, saying the “New Abia” vision must be sustained beyond 2027.
