A group of progressive Abia indigenes in Nigeria and the Diaspora have floated a support group to ensure victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, during the April 11 governorship election in Abia State.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Support Group for Alex Otti 2015, Mr. Uduma Kalu, said the group was put together to ensure a proper coordination and utilisation of support groups for the Alex Otti’s campaign. The group also want to ensure that those who nursed an ambition for a better Abia contribute effectively to the Otti’s victory, Kalu said.

According to him, Otti’s successes and accomplishments, his courage to jump into the political arena that most elite are frightened to play in, as well as his sacrifice in leaving a cozy job as MD of a bank to try to restore the state to its rightful position as the number 1 state in Nigeria, compelled them to support him to become the next governor of the state. Again, the use of violence by the opposition party has significantly enhanced the resolve of the Abia people to effect change in the leadership of the state, Kalu said.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Alex, who are also trustees of the group, Mr. Uzoh Kalu said all well-meaning Abians who are professionals and friends of Alex are committed to the success of the APGA candidate and will bring their experience and expertise to add value to his campaign.

He said although many of them had been talking to their constituencies and wooing voters to support Otti, the emergence of the group would ensure better co-ordination of the efforts and provide critical assistance needed by APGA to defeat the opposition parties.

Principal Partner A.J Okorafor & Co. Custodian of Laws, Jennifer Ukobasi Esq., said the timely emergence of the group would help fill the gap and deliver victory.

Announcing the decision of the group to create the slogan ‘Alex Otti For the Common Good’, for the campaign, Head of Media Committee and publisher of Working Moms Africa Magazine Mrs. Mary Ikoku, said the growing awareness of the challenge of delivering votes to Otti compelled those who are passionate and committed to his victory to call on all Abia professionals and entrepreneurs to lead the mission.

At the inauguration of the support group in Lagos, Otti, flanked by his running mate, Dr. Uche Eme, thanked the group for the initiative.

Other members of the Central Committee on the delegation include the Vice Chairman, Mr. Iheanyi Nzekwe, and committee heads such as Mr. Kingsley Anosike (Campaign Management), Mr. Charles Nkata (Finance) Mr. Uzoh Kalu (Strategy), Mazi Uzo Nwankwo (Mobilisation), Barr. Agbonma J. Ukobasi (Legal), Anselem Tabansi (Logistics), and Mary Ikoku (Media & Communications).

•Photo shows officials of the Support Group for Alex Otti 2015 after their inauguration.