The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, has debunked rumours of an alliance with other governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opah declared that he remained firmly in the governorship race under the APC platform, stressing that his ambition was to win the election and provide what he described as a credible alternative for the people of Abia.
“I want to reassure you that Eric Opah is in the race as a candidate of the APC, the party at the centre, to win. I am not in alliance with any other candidates as far as the APC governorship contest is concerned. If there is anybody other candidates should align with, it should be me”, he said.
He spoke while addressing journalists during a press conference in Umuahia, where he also promised to recall civil servants who were allegedly unjustly dismissed by the present administration if elected governor in 2027.
Opah further pledged to review the premature retirement of directors affected by the eight-year tenure policy, insisting that civil servants who had dedicated years of service to the state deserved a dignified retirement with commensurate benefits.
Outlining his agenda, the APC candidate promised to run a transparent and people-oriented government driven by empathy, accountability and policies that would improve the welfare of residents.
He expressed concern over what he described as a draconian tax regime in the state, particularly its impact on residents and business owners, promising to review and reduce the tax burden if elected.
According to him, although taxation remained necessary for government revenue generation, the system must be reasonable and commensurate with the economic realities of the people.
“We cannot run government without taxes, but we should not have a draconian tax regime. Our government will review the tax system to ensure that Abians and business owners are not overtaxed”, he stated.
On local government administration, the APC candidate promised to ensure that funds accruing to the 17 Local Government Areas were effectively utilized for grassroots development.
He questioned the state of infrastructure and sanitation in several local government headquarters, arguing that their present condition did not reflect the level of financial allocations reportedly received by the councils.
“Most Local Government Areas receive not less than N350 million, yet their headquarters do not look as if such funds are coming in. Most of the local government headquarters are overgrown with weeds”, he said.
Opah maintained that his proposed administration would prioritize accountability in the management of public funds, restore confidence in the civil service and create a more business-friendly environment for economic growth.
