Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set its sights on a major political breakthrough in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Henry Ikoh, declaring the party battle-ready and re-energised.
Ikoh, who coordinates the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abia, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s grassroots mobilisation platform, spoke after a strategy session with local government coordinators in Umuahia.
He said the peaceful conduct of the APC’s ward, local government and state congresses marked a turning point for the party in Abia.
According to him, the congresses signalled renewed cohesion, popular ownership of the party and a stronger footing under the current Electoral Act, which he noted has eliminated special delegates.
“The APC in Abia has never been this united or this focused. We are positioning to win decisively in 2027, both for the President and for the party,” Ikoh said.
He disclosed that LGA coordinators have been tasked with driving an aggressive grassroots campaign to consolidate support for Tinubu, stressing that the party’s ambition in Abia goes beyond marginal gains.
“We are working towards a landslide—over 90 per cent support for Mr President in Abia. This is about presenting a credible, people-oriented candidate and offering a clear development pathway,” he added.
Ikoh anchored the party’s renewed push on what he described as early gains from Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing a stabilising exchange rate, improved international confidence, easing commodity prices and expanded access to interest-free student loans.
He also attributed increased fiscal space for states to the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it has enabled states to meet obligations without excessive borrowing, while federal-backed road projects are expanding across Abia.
“Re-electing the President is the best way to sustain these gains and deepen federal presence in Abia,” he said.
On speculations about a possible governorship bid, Ikoh said that while he has received calls to contest, his immediate priority remains delivering Abia to the APC and Tinubu in 2027.
Reacting to the meeting, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator for Ukwa West LGA and former ASOPADEC chairman, Chief Sam Nwogu, pledged to mobilise the oil-rich council in support of Tinubu’s re-election, citing confidence in the administration’s agenda.
Former Abia lawmaker, Hon. Ikedi Ezekwesiri, said the meeting had “activated the political machinery” to galvanise support for the President, particularly in Umunneochi, noting that grassroots sensitisation would intensify in the coming months.
Ezekwesiri said the group was primed to take Tinubu’s message directly to the people as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.
