The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Chief Eric Opia, has ruled out any alliance with other governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that he is fully prepared to contest and win the election.
Opia made this known while on Saturday addressing journalists during a press briefing in Umuahia, where he dismissed speculations about a possible alliance with other political candidates, insisting that he remains the APC flag bearer and a credible alternative for the state.
He said he was not negotiating any alliance with another candidate, adding that if any political alignment was necessary, other candidates should rather consider aligning with him because of his qualifications and clearly defined agenda for Abia.
The APC candidate said his proposed administration would prioritise transparency, accountability, empathy and effective management of the state’s resources.
On taxation, Opia promised to review the state’s tax regime, which he described as burdensome to residents and business owners, stressing that although taxation was necessary for government operations, it should not become draconian or impose excessive hardship on the people.
He also promised to revisit the dismissal of civil servants by the present administration, saying those who were unjustly relieved of their appointments would be considered for reinstatement.
Opia equally expressed concern over what he described as the premature retirement of directors in the state civil service, promising that his administration would review the policy to protect the interests and careers of affected public servants.
On local government administration, he pledged to ensure transparent utilisation of council funds, noting that local governments reportedly receive not less than N350 million monthly but that many council facilities remain in poor condition.
He promised to equip local government secretariats with modern facilities and create a conducive working environment for staff to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The APC candidate also questioned the utilisation of the over N1.83 trillion he claimed the Abia State Government had received, arguing that the level of infrastructure development across the state did not reflect the volume of funds received.
He maintained that the state’s resources should translate into visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, industrialisation and employment generation.
On healthcare, Opia said Abians should no longer travel to Lagos, Enugu or other states to access quality medical services, promising to establish sophisticated medical facilities capable of meeting the healthcare needs of residents.
He further promised that workers would receive corresponding salary increases whenever they were promoted, insisting that promotions should come with commensurate financial benefits.
On market administration, he said his government would allow market associations to independently elect their leaders without government interference.
He also pledged to liberalise the state’s transport system by introducing competition and ending what he described as excessive government control of transportation parks, which he argued could increase transportation costs for residents.
Opia faulted the reported expenditure of N130 billion on the renovation of smart schools, questioning the claim that 54 smart schools had been renovated and challenging the government to make the facilities visible for public assessment.
He also expressed concern over the Abia Innovation Park project, which he said was flagged off about three years ago, arguing that government should not flag off projects without adequate funding and readiness for implementation.
The APC candidate assured Abians that his proposed administration would focus on delivering measurable development rather than relying on publicity and social media campaigns.
He said his government would be judged by the projects executed and the tangible benefits delivered to residents.
On the party’s preparedness for the 2027 election, Opa said the APC was putting its campaign structures in place following the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
He disclosed that the party would soon inaugurate its state campaign council and intensify mobilisation across the state.
Opia expressed confidence in the APC’s chances, citing the party’s claimed membership strength of over 100,000 registered members in Abia State.
He said pensioners, market associations and other residents who were dissatisfied with the present administration could contribute to increasing the party’s electoral support beyond its performance in the 2023 governorship election.
The APC candidate expressed confidence that his party would win the 2027 governorship election in Abia, describing its proposed programme as a credible alternative capable of taking the state to the next level.
