A chieftain of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikechukwu Martins Apugo, has said he will soon make public his decision on whether to contest the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
Apugo, who spoke with journalists on Saturday in Umuahia, said he was still consulting widely and appealed to his supporters to exercise patience.
He disclosed that youth groups, advocacy organisations, constituents and political associates had been mounting pressure on him to run for office.
“When the time is right, I will not hesitate to make my position known,” he said, thanking his supporters for the confidence reposed in him, even though he currently holds no elective position.
Apugo explained that any decision he takes would be based on broad consultations and personal conviction, stressing that political choices should not be rushed.
“In politics, you must consult broadly before determining your next move. Whatever decision I make regarding the calls to contest will be made public,” he added.
Commenting on the 2027 governorship election in Abia State, Apugo said Governor Alex Otti would be difficult to defeat if he seeks re-election, citing what he described as strong performance across critical sectors.
According to him, achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and the civil service have placed the governor in a strong position ahead of the next polls.
“With the level of work done so far, it will be difficult for any candidate, from any party, to defeat Governor Otti in 2027,” Apugo said.
He dismissed claims credited to a former Abia governor and current senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, that Governor Otti would only serve one term, describing such views as disconnected from realities on the ground.
Apugo said improvements in urban order, road construction in Aba and Umuahia, better civil service welfare, waste management, the Umuahia bus terminal and progress on the Abia airport project had endeared the governor to the people.
“People will compare what Abia was before and what it is now. If voters are satisfied with the governor’s performance, they will vote accordingly,” he said.
He concluded that widespread public support makes it unlikely that Governor Otti would be voted out in 2027, noting that Abians would not want to reverse the gains recorded so far.
