Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has presented the Labour Party flag to Dr Chima Anyaso, popularly known as OFUJI, as the party prepares to challenge Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections.

Otti presented the flag on Sunday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during the party’s campaign flag-off, attended by party leaders, members of the National and State Assemblies, government officials and supporters.

The governor urged voters in Abia State to support Labour Party candidates, saying the party was committed to representing their interests.

“Make sure you vote for all the Labour Party candidates. I am handing over this flag to Dr Chima Anyaso (OFUJI), and I am doing that in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Otti said.

Speaking after receiving the flag, Anyaso described the event as an important milestone in his political ambition, promising to take his campaign to communities across the constituency.

“Having received this flag today, we are going to visit the local government areas, the 13 wards of Bende and the 214 polling units to give our people a message of hope,” he said.

He said the campaign would focus on grassroots mobilisation and direct engagement with residents to understand their concerns and expectations.

Anyaso added that his political organisation had been active in the constituency before the formal campaign flag-off, expressing confidence in his message of development and responsive representation.

His bid sets up a contest with Kalu, who currently represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and serves as Deputy Speaker.

The Labour Party’s campaign is expected to focus on mobilising support across the constituency as the 2027 general elections approach.