“Aba-Ngwa Indigenes Threaten to Recall Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh Over Endorsement of Governor Otti’s Second Term.”

Today the Abangwa Indigenous Movement,a coalition of traditional rulers, community heads, and civic leaders of Aba North and South extraction issued a blistering condemnation of Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency.

At the heart of the outrage is Ikwechegh’s decision to lead stakeholders from the Old Bende bloc to endorse Governor Alex Chioma Otti for a second term in 2027. For the Aba Ngwa indigenes, this was not just a political misstep, it was an “undemocratic betrayal” of the people he was elected to serve.

“He was favoured to represent us even though he is not from here, and this is how he repays us by sidelining our voice in favour of another constituency,” declared Elder Rowland Justice Ajuziogu, who read the communique.

The group accused Ikwechegh of abandoning his constitutional duties, undermining the political future of Aba Ngwa, and effectively declaring there would be “no governorship contest” in 2027–2031 a statement they said excluded their people from legitimate leadership opportunities.

They described the move as “political harlotry” and “leadership sabotage,” stressing that while they remain in good terms with their Old Bende brothers, they will never tolerate misrepresentation, marginalisation, or exclusion in decisions that affect their future.

The Abangwa Indigenous Movement has now issued a direct ultimatum: Ikwechegh must urgently convene a town hall meeting to explain his actions and account for his stewardship or face an unambiguous recall process.

The meeting ended with a firm resolution: representation in Aba Ngwa must always be about the people not personal political deals.

Below is the full communique:

THE ABANGWA INDIGENOUS MOVEMENT

Our Revered Chiefs
Village Heads
Presidents of various Communities
Women Leaders
Gentle Men of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen

THE RISING CONCERN OF ABA NGWA PEOPLE

We, the Indigenous and Stakeholders of Aba North and South Federal Constituency herein called the Aba Ngwa people express deep concern regarding the recent undemocratic action(s) of our Aba North and South Federal Constituency Representative, on. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh. The representative, Hon. Mascot, intentionally abandoned his constitutional duties of effective representation of our Constituency and delved into selfish endorsement of a leader in another Constituency. He led a delegation of Bende Federal Constituency to endorse the Governor of Abia State, Governor Alex Chioma Otti for Second term bid.

CONCERNS RAISED

1). Lack of Representation

The actions raises questions about Hon. Ikwecheghe’s commitment to our Constituency’s needs and priorities.

2). Expectations of Accountability

The Indigenous people of Aba Ngwa earnestly expect Hon. Ikwechegh to prioritize our Constituency’s interest and maintain open communication, and not to stealthily indulge in hypocritical leadership endorsements in a Constituency that has capable representation like a political Pharisee. True to his words, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh resorted deceitfully that “we have decided that none of our sons or daughters will run for Governorship come 2027. There is no vacancy in Government House from 2027 to 2031”. Now, the question that begs for answer is that, how can Aba North and South Representative speak for Bende Federal Constituency on who to endorse/adopt. This is purely political harlotry and a clear look down on the people of Aba North and South Federal Constituency. In as much as, we, don’t hold brief for the old Bende Bloc, we State emphatically that we are at peace and in cordial relationship with our Old Bende brethren residing in our place- Aba Ngwa.

To this end, we the Aba Ngwa Indigenous Movement would want all forms of representation of our people to honestly prioritize what makes life meaningful for the hospitable Aba Ngwa people.

CALL FOR CLARITY

Therefore, we categorically State that the premature endorsement of Governor Alex Otti by our Representative on behalf of the Bende Bloc is not only undemocratic but an act of leadership sabotage to Aba North and South Federal Constituency, and we demand clarity and transparency regarding Hon. Ikwechegh’s decisions and motives. It is essential for our representative to address the Constituency on this matter, to ensure alignment with the Abangwa Indigenous expectations and needs.

Finally, we the Indigenous people of Aba Ngwa, unequivocally State that, we are in cordial relationship with our brothers from the Old Bende Bloc and as such, would not be coerced or be pushed into needless Leadership chaos, but would not also, accommodate any form of misrepresentation, marginalization or leadership exclusion in our own land, as Abangwa is blessed with individuals who can represent us effectively at any level.

We, (the Abangwa Indigenous Movement) reject in strong terms the sycophantic action of endorsement of Governor Alex Otti by our Aba North and South Federal Constituency Representative. Consequently, we demand for an INTENTIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING from Hon. Ikwechegh for leadership accountability as he has done little or nothing to the Indigenous people of Abangwa, else, we will dutifully embark on his (Hon. Ikwechegh’s) RECALLING PROCESS immediately. As we also WARN him to desist from further undemocratic leadership gestures.

Signed:

•   Elder Rowland Justice Ajuziogu
•   Hon. (Prince) Adimchinobi Nwaigwe (Pillar)
•   Hon. (Prince) Jamike Innocent Ikonne (President, ANYC)
•   Hon. (Chief) Israel Agwuwa
•   Hon. (Elder) China Mbama
•   Comr. Ogechukwu Ogbonna
•   Hon. (Chief) Nnamdi Nwamkpa
•   High Chief Elijah Nwachi
•   Hon. Christian Emejiaka
•   Hon. (Mrs) Promise Nwagba
•   Mrs. Ego Love Aroh
•   Hon. Chikamale Eberendu