The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, Eric Opah, has ruled out any alliance with other political parties ahead of the 2027 election, declaring that he is determined to unseat Governor Alex Otti.
Opah said he remained firmly in the race as the APC candidate, insisting that his political credentials and policy proposals made him better positioned to lead the state.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Saturday, he dismissed rumours of a possible alliance with other governorship candidates, saying the APC was confident of winning the election.
“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.”
I am not in alliance with anyone as far as the APC membership contest is concerned,” he said.
Opah added that other candidates seeking alliances should consider aligning with him, citing his qualifications and clearly defined agenda for the state.
Outlining his plans, the candidate promised a more transparent and people-oriented administration, with a review of the state’s tax regime, which he described as burdensome to residents and business owners.
He acknowledged that taxation was necessary for government revenue but argued that it should not become oppressive.
The APC candidate also promised to review the mass dismissal of civil servants, ensure effective utilisation of local government funds and improve access to healthcare across the state.
On economic development, he said his administration would prioritise job creation, industrialisation and the promotion of civil servants.
He also pledged to protect the independence of market associations in choosing their leaders and introduce competition into the transport sector to reduce fares.
Opah further promised that 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 APC’s chances, Opah predicted that the party 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.
On the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, Opah said the President deserved 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, urging 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.