ALM Rejects Abaribe’s Re-Election Bid, Demands Justice for Slain Asa Youth

The Asa Liberation Movement (ALM), a socio-political organization in Asa Clan, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has declared its opposition to the re-election bid of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, citing what it described as nearly two decades of inadequate representation and limited federal development projects across Abia South Senatorial District.

The position was part of resolutions reached during the movement’s monthly meeting held yesterday (Monday, June 15, 2026) at the residence of its leader, Hon. Emeka Adiele, with members from various Asa and Ukwa communities in attendance.

The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in honour of Mr. Chinye Uchenna, an indigene of Umukalu Asa, who was reportedly murdered by unidentified gunmen in the early hours of Sunday. The assailants allegedly made away with his motorcycle after the attack.

Condemning the incident, ALM called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice. The group also sympathized with the bereaved family and the Umukalu Asa community, pledging support throughout the burial process.

On the political situation in Abia South, the movement expressed disappointment over the emergence of Senator Abaribe as the Labour Party candidate for the 2027 senatorial election, arguing that his long tenure in the National Assembly has not translated into the level of federal presence and infrastructural development expected by constituents.

According to the group, Abia South has lagged behind other senatorial districts within Abia State and several neighbouring districts across the South-East in attracting visible federal projects, strategic institutions, and critical infrastructure despite decades of representation at the Senate.

The movement maintained that after almost twenty years in the National Assembly, it was time for fresh leadership and new ideas capable of delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people of Abia South.

ALM further alleged that commitments made to the organization during the 2023 electioneering period were not fulfilled, a development it said contributed to its decision to withdraw support for the senator’s current ambition.

Consequently, the group announced that it would not support Abaribe’s re-election campaign and urged its members to remain committed to the movement’s collective position ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organization also criticized the Abia State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, Chief Dr. Eruba Dimgba, over what it described as the slow pace and abandonment of several road projects across Asa communities.

Among the projects highlighted were the Umuololo–Okohia–Uzuaku–Imo River Road, 144 Battalion–Obuzor Road, Ezendioma–Umuorie Road, Umuadienwe Road, and Umuiku–Owo Road.

The group noted that the alleged abandonment of the projects has negatively affected transportation, commerce, and economic activities in the affected communities, urging the NDDC board member to prioritize their completion.

In a demonstration of its commitment to grassroots development, ALM empowered more than 200 members drawn from different communities across Asa and Ukwa. Beneficiaries received financial support to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The movement assured members yet to benefit that additional phases of the empowerment programme would be rolled out in the coming months.

Reaffirming its dedication to justice, accountability, community development, and good governance, ALM pledged to continue advocating policies and programmes that will enhance the welfare and economic prosperity of the people of Asa, Ukwa, and the entire Abia South Senatorial District.