News Investigators/ The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Abia, Eric Opah, has ruled out alliances, insisting he remains in the race to win the 2027 election.
Mr Opah stated this on Saturday in Umuahia while outlining his agenda and addressing journalists on his political ambition.
He described the media as critical to governance, particularly in reporting political campaigns and holding public office holders accountable.
Addressing speculation about a possible alliance, Opah declared: “I am not in alliance with anyone as far as the Abia governorship contest is concerned.
“If anybody should align, it should be me. I am very qualified, and my agenda is very clear as far as what we intend to do for Abia people.”
He promised to provide a credible alternative through a government that would be more transparent and responsive to residents’ needs.
On taxation, Opah acknowledged that government needed tax revenue but cautioned against imposing a draconian regime on residents.
The business mogul promised to review the state’s tax system to ensure levies reflected the earnings of Abia residents.
He also pledged to review the mass dismissal of civil servants and reinstate those he considered unjustly relieved of their appointments.
Opah further promised to review the eight-year retirement policy for directors in the state civil service, describing it as premature.
He questioned the management of local government allocations, noting that each council received more than N350 million monthly from the Federation Account.
He lamented that many council areas remained overgrown with weeds in spite of the substantial monthly allocations.
The APC candidate also alleged that Abia received more than N1.8 trillion, yet its infrastructure did not reflect the funds received.
He promised to establish sophisticated medical facilities to provide quality healthcare and eliminate residents’ need to travel elsewhere for treatment.
Opah also pledged improved remuneration for workers upon promotion and better consideration for pensioners.
He promised to allow market associations to elect their leaders freely without government interference.
On transportation, he proposed liberalising the sector to encourage competition and reduce fares for commuters.
The candidate also questioned the reported N130 billion expenditure on renovating 54 smart schools across the state.
He vowed against inaugurating projects his administration was not prepared to execute.
Opah expressed confidence that the APC would win the 2027 governorship election, citing his proposed agenda as the party’s selling point.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abia is currently governed by Gov. Alex Otti of the Labour Party.
NAN