The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, Eric Opah, has dispelled rumours of a possible alliance with any other candidate in the state.
He also vowed to take over the state Government House in 2027 with the programmes he highlighted.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Saturday, Opah said, “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.
“If there is anybody that other candidates should align with, I think it should be me. Not only that I am very qualified, but my agenda is very clear.”
He said that, as governor in 2027, his administration would provide a credible alternative, “a government that will be a lot more transparent, a government that will have empathy for the people, a government that will look at the tax regime that is bordered on Abians and Abia business people.
“A government cannot survive without taxes quite alright, but we should not have a Draconian tax regime.”
Opah said his administration would also look at the mass sack of civil servants, ensure effective use of local government funds and ensure that every Abian has access to sophisticated healthcare in Abia.
“In job creation, industrialising Abia, our government will focus on civil servants’ promotions, will ensure that market associations are given freedom to choose the leaders, the transport system will bring competition so that Abians do not have to pay more for transportation system, and will not flag off projects that we are not ready to start.
“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 a 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. So in 2027, I am confident that APC will win in Abia State. I think we have what it takes to take Abia to the next level,” he said.
On opposition candidates who, according to him, are supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the state, Opah said, “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. Anyone that is not openly canvassing for Mr President’s re-election should go and re-examine his or her head. The truth about it is just that the president has done well for that to happen.
“I can assure you that in all positions from the Senate, federal house and state assembly, (APC will win) five over five. But what we will do when we win is that we will accommodate our brothers from all the political parties who didn’t make it. And then we will ensure, at that time, we will assemble the best team to work for Abians.
“So we are not going to have these separations. What we will do when we win the election is that we sit down and for members of all the political parties who support us. There will be a handshake. And then we will effectively ensure that we all work together.”
