The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Eric Opah, has dismissed speculation that he is exploring an alliance with other political parties ahead of the 2027 election, stating that he remains fully committed to unseating Governor Alex Otti.
Opah said he is firmly in the race as the APC candidate and argued that his political credentials and policy proposals place him in a stronger position to lead the state. He spoke in Umuahia on Saturday during a briefing with journalists, where he addressed rumours of a possible partnership with other governorship contenders.
He explained that the briefing was necessary to clear the air on the speculation, saying the APC is confident of victory at the polls. “This briefing has become important to dispel the rumours ongoing regarding possible alliance with any other candidates. I just want to show you that Eric Opah is in the race as a candidate of APC, the party at the centre to win,” he said. “I am not in alliance with anyone as far as the APC membership contest is concerned.”
The candidate added that any contender seeking an alliance should instead consider aligning with him, citing his qualifications and what he described as a clearly defined agenda for the state.
Tax review and transparent governance
Unveiling his plans, Opah promised a more transparent and people-oriented administration, including a review of the state’s tax regime, which he described as burdensome to residents and business owners. He acknowledged that taxation is necessary for government revenue but argued that it should not become oppressive.
He also pledged to review the mass dismissal of civil servants, ensure the effective utilisation of local government funds and improve access to healthcare across the state. On economic development, Opah said his administration would prioritise job creation, industrialisation and the welfare of civil servants.
He further promised to protect the independence of market associations in choosing their leaders and to introduce competition into the transport sector as a way of reducing fares.
No projects without adequate preparation
Opah said his government would not announce or flag off projects without adequate preparations for their execution. “The government of APC, come 2027, will be a transparent government, a government with empathy and not going to be a government that is just only on social media. We are not going to invite people to come and authenticate what we are doing. Our government is not going to be a government of noise,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s chances, the APC candidate predicted that it would win the governorship election as well as all its legislative contests in the state. He also promised to accommodate members of other political parties in his administration if elected, saying his government would prioritise competence and unity over political differences.
Support for Tinubu’s re-election bid
On President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, Opah said the President deserves the support of politicians across party lines because of what he described as his contributions to the South-East. He criticised politicians who were not openly supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition and urged them to reconsider their position.
“The President needs to be re-elected and given what the President has done for the South-East. As far as we are concerned, the President deserves to be supported by all political parties,” he said.
Opah added that an APC-led administration in Abia would work with willing members of opposition parties to deliver on its development agenda.
