Ihejirika Throws Support Behind Otti, Bourdex Ahead of 2027
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OVIM, ABIA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), has declared his support for Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying he would also support anyone backing the governor.
Ihejirika made the declaration while receiving the Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, at his residence in Ovim, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
The former Army Chief used the occasion to commend Bourdex for offering himself for public service, describing his decision to seek election to the Senate as a sacrifice to Abia North.
According to Ihejirika, Bourdex’s accomplishments and busy schedule notwithstanding, his decision to enter the political arena should be viewed as a commitment to serving the people.
He said the campaign of Governor Otti and his team would be relatively straightforward because they could point to completed projects and infrastructure as part of their campaign message.
Ihejirika also questioned critics of the governor’s administration, particularly those who, according to him, criticise the government while using roads constructed or rehabilitated under the administration.
The retired general also recalled the commissioning of the Omenuko Bridge as one of the highlights of his recent 70th birthday activities.
Governor Alex Otti, alongside Ihejirika, commissioned the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge and a 30-kilometre Ozu Abam–Ndi Okereke–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road on February 13, 2026. The Abia State Government said the projects were delivered to improve connectivity and address longstanding infrastructure challenges in the area.
The Omenuko Bridge spans the Igwu River and had reportedly remained in a dilapidated condition for decades before its reconstruction. The Abia State Government had earlier announced the commencement of the bridge reconstruction in February 2025.
At the commissioning ceremony, Ihejirika commended Otti for delivering what the state government described as critical infrastructure connecting communities.
During his interaction with Bourdex, Ihejirika prayed for the senatorial candidate and wished him success in his political journey.
He expressed appreciation to Bourdex for making himself available for public service, stressing that his decision to seek a Senate seat should be regarded as a sacrifice because, in his view, the office should primarily be about service to the people rather than personal benefit.
Bourdex is the Labour Party’s candidate for Abia North Senatorial District in the 2027 election. Recent reports indicate that he has been conducting consultations with traditional rulers, political stakeholders and community groups across the district ahead of the election.
The endorsement-style remarks by Ihejirika come as political activities intensify across Abia ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bourdex has publicly positioned his campaign around representation, development and building on existing initiatives in Abia. His political activities have included engagements with traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders in Abia North.
As the 2027 political season approaches, statements from prominent figures such as Ihejirika are likely to form part of the wider political debate over the performance of the Otti administration and the choice of candidates seeking elective offices in Abia.