A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Eric Opah, has intensified consultations with party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, pledging to drive industrialisation, create jobs and improve infrastructure across the state.
Speaking during an engagement with APC stakeholders and supporters, Opah said his ambition is rooted in a desire to build a transparent, accountable and economically viable government for the people of Abia State.
The entrepreneur, whose business interests span international transportation, shipping, aviation, and oil and gas logistics, stated that his years of experience in business and leadership have equipped him with the capacity to govern effectively.
According to him, his aspiration is not driven by personal interest but by a commitment to provide honest leadership capable of repositioning Abia economically through industrial development and employment opportunities.
“We don’t have two Abias; we only have one. My mission is to create jobs, develop infrastructure and industrialise the state by harnessing the strengths of every part of Abia,” he said.
Opah maintained that contesting under the APC platform would enable Abia to align more closely with the Federal Government for accelerated development and increased federal presence in the state.
“APC is the ruling party at the federal level and Abia needs to connect to the centre. We cannot continue to remain in opposition while neighbouring states benefit from federal partnerships and opportunities,” he added.
Unveiling parts of his development blueprint, the APC aspirant said his administration would prioritise the revival of moribund industries, vocational and skill-based education, and policies aimed at transforming Abia into a major commercial and industrial hub.
He also proposed the introduction of large-scale trade exhibitions and investment forums to promote local industries, attract investors and stimulate economic activities in the state.
“My government will position Abia as a trade hub, strengthen local industries and create employment opportunities. Education must go beyond certificates to practical skills acquisition because Abia has enormous industrial potential,” Opah stated.
He further assured workers in the state of improved welfare and prompt payment of salaries, stressing that governance must positively impact the living conditions of the people.
Opah expressed confidence that his over two decades of private sector experience across five countries would provide the competence needed to drive sustainable development and attract investments into Abia State.
Responding, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Chijioke Chukwu, said the party would prioritise competence, capacity and electability in selecting its candidates for the 2027 elections.
Chukwu stressed that the APC would not succumb to pressure in the choice of its governorship candidate, insisting that only aspirants with the political strength and capacity to reclaim power for the party would emerge.
He also criticised the performance of the current administration in the state, alleging poor handling of road projects, financial mismanagement and inadequate welfare for civil servants, while lamenting the prolonged strike in the judiciary sector.
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