Ukwa West Apex Group Rejects Abaribe’s Re-Election Bid, Cites 20 Years of Underperformance

In a period when the people of Asa and Ukwa are yearning for purposeful leadership, equitable representation and sustainable development, the Asa Liberation Movement (ALM), the foremost socio-political structure in Asa, convened its monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the residence of its leader, Hon Emeka Adiele.

The meeting witnessed an overwhelming turnout of members across various communities, demonstrating the growing confidence of the people in the vision, ideals and leadership of the movement.

Addressing members, Hon Emeka Adiele expressed profound appreciation for the massive attendance recorded at the meeting. He described the turnout as a clear testament to the resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment of ALM members toward the collective advancement of Asa and Ukwa in general.

In a minute silence, the leadership of ALM mourned and strongly condemned the gruesome murder of an illustrious son of Umukalu Asa, Mr. Chinye Uchenna, who was reportedly attacked and killed by unknown assailants in the early hours of Sunday. The perpetrators allegedly fled with his motorcycle after committing the heinous act.
ALM extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Umukalu Asa community, while calling on relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

ALM further pledged its support to the family and assured them of its participation in the burial arrangements when the deceased would be laid to rest.
The leadership prayed for his gentle soul to rest in peace while its warmest condolences would continue to righteously bestir.

In a decisive political position, the leadership of ALM criticized the emergence of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as the Labour Party flag bearer for Abia South Senatorial District. The leadership ably led by
Hon Emeka Adiele maintained that after occupying the Senate seat for many years, Senator Abaribe has failed to deliver meaningful representation to the people of the district.

He emphasized that at a critical period when Asa people are united in their quest to reclaim the House of Representatives seat, ALM cannot support individuals whose records in office do not inspire confidence, stating that if an Ngwa man must represent Abia South in the red chamber, it should not be Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; a man who should be grateful to God and the people of Abia South for their overwhelming support for 20 years, and respectively and honourably relinquish power to another person.

“Senator Abaribe cannot seek our support after failing to keep to his campaign promises to ALM in 2023, and expect ALM to positively respond to him”, the leadership stated.

The leadership, therefore, declared that ALM would not support Senator Abaribe’s Senatorial bid and warned that any member found openly or secretly working against the collective interest and position of the movement would face disciplinary measures, including expulsion from the group.

ALM also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Chief Dr. Eruba Dimgba, Abia State Representative on the NDDC Board.
According to the leadership, several roads flagged off within Asa communities have remained abandoned after ceremonial launches, while attention appears to have shifted to projects outside the area.
ALM specifically cited roads including:
Umuololo-Okohia-Uzuaku-Imo River Road
144 Battalion–Obuzor Road
Ezendioma-Umuorie road
Umuadienwe Road
Umuiku–Owo Road, that were flagged off and left in abandonment hitherto.

ALM noted that the continued abandonment of these critical projects has negatively impacted economic activities and the daily lives of residents.
Consequently, ALM called on Chief Dr Eruba Dimgba to urgently revisit his developmental agenda and ensure the timely completion of all NDDC projects within Asa and Ukwa communities.

In further demonstration of its commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive development, the meeting concluded with a financial support programme for dedicated members of the movement.
The empowerment initiative benefited over two hundred (200) members drawn from different communities.

The leadership encouraged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the support received, particularly in strengthening their small-scale businesses and improving their livelihoods.
Members who were not captured in the current phase were urged to remain hopeful, as the movement remains committed to expanding its empowerment programmes in the near future.

ALM reiterated its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, people-oriented leadership and the socio-economic advancement of Asa and Ukwa land.

The leadership assured members that ALM would continue to serve as a strong voice for the people while championing policies and programmes that promote development, fairness and prosperity for all.

Signed:
Charles Ehiemere (Samankwe)
Spokesperson (ALM)
16th June, 2026