The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State for the 2027 general elections, Chief Eric Opah, has dismissed speculations suggesting that he may enter into an alliance with another governorship candidate, insisting that he remains firmly committed to winning the election.
Opah made the declaration during a media chat with journalists, where he addressed growing political speculation surrounding his candidacy, the strength of the APC in Abia State and his plans for the state if elected governor.
The APC candidate said the interaction was necessary to clarify his political position and reassure supporters that he had no intention of abandoning his governorship ambition in favour of another candidate.
According to him, his participation in the election is driven by a determination to provide what he described as a credible alternative to the present administration.
“I just want to reassure you that Eric Opah is in the race as a candidate of APC, the party at the centre, to win. I am not in alliance with anyone as far as the APC governorship contest is concerned,” he declared.
Opah maintained that rather than being pressured into supporting another candidate, other political contenders should consider aligning with him, citing his qualifications, business experience and proposed development agenda.
“If there is anybody that other candidates should align with, I think it should be me. It should be me, not only because I am very qualified, but because my agenda is very clear as far as what we intend to do for Abia,” he said.
The governorship hopeful explained that his administration, if elected, would prioritise transparency, accountability, economic development and policies designed to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
He identified taxation, civil service reforms, local government administration, healthcare, education, industrialisation and employment generation as major areas requiring attention.
Opah also expressed confidence in the APC’s organisational capacity to challenge the ruling Labour Party in the state, arguing that the party possesses the political structures and membership needed to secure victory.
He disclosed that preparations were underway for the formal inauguration of the APC State Campaign Council, following the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council.
According to him, the party would soon commence its electioneering activities across the state.
“Yes, we may be slow. We are actually putting together our electioneering campaign processes. Very soon, we will flag off our campaign,” he assured.
The APC candidate further claimed that the party has more than 100,000 registered voters, expressing optimism that support from pensioners, traders, civil servants and other residents dissatisfied with government policies could improve its electoral fortunes.
He predicted that the party would perform better than it did in the 2023 governorship election.
“In 2027, I am confident that APC will win in Abia State. I am very, very confident,” Opah stated.
Addressing concerns about possible disagreements within the party, he acknowledged that political organisations could experience internal differences but insisted that such issues would not undermine the APC’s collective objective.
He argued that statements made by individual party members should not automatically be interpreted as representing the official position of the entire party.
“No one person can determine what the entire APC as a family is going to do,” he said.
Opah also promised that an APC administration would accommodate competent individuals from other political parties, describing inclusive governance as essential to the state’s development.
He said his administration would prioritise the appointment of qualified and experienced professionals rather than selecting public officials solely on political considerations.
The governorship candidate urged Abia residents to assess his political ambition on the strength of his experience, credibility and proposed programmes, insisting that his campaign would focus on practical solutions rather than political propaganda.
