John Nwaigwe
Abia 2027: Why we are supporting Eric Opah’s governorship ambition, Umuahia political forum decry welfare of Abia workers, others
The Umuahia Political Forum, a political pressure group has thrown their weight behind Chief Eric Opah, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abia State governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The forum which comprises pensioners, traders, farmers, artisans and commercial bus drivers officially adopted the APC governorship candidate during their expanded executive meeting that was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The group said, they were among those that supported the incumbent governor Dr. Alex Otti in 2023 after several engagements. After three years of his administration, the group say the government has failed to place emphasis on the welfare of Abians.
The drivers described as frustrating the single state terminal system. According to them, some of them wait for days for their turn. They cited Enugu that operates 5 terminals while the Abia State government shut down all private parks creating hardship for drivers and commuters.
The pensioners complained of forced forfeiture of their entitlements and unpaid benefits for those that were prematurely retired from service. Also, they decried of poor pension rates compared to other states in the country.
Traders and farmers also have their own grievances. According to them, shop levies has increased from N6,000 to N35,000 while the annual farmer tax has risen from N90,000 in 2022 to N1.5 million. The government also imposed high daily levies on hawkers.
Civil servants within the forum say the Abia State government pays some of the lowest salaries when compared to other states in the country. The group raised the issue of high fees in tertiary institutions owned by the state.
The group described as “elitist” the administrative style of the present Abia State government and accused the Governor of piloting the affairs of the state from his Nvosi home with little connecting to the masses.
The UPF said Chief Eric Opah’s wealth of experience in the private sector-building businesses in 5 countries of the world- has prepared him to tackle the numerous challenges confronting the state.
The Director General of Chief Eric Opah Campaign Organization, Chief Charles Ogbonna thanked members of the forum and said their concerns are a reflection of what most Abians are going through. Chief Ogbonna assured that the campaign team will work hard for a better Abia.
In his response, the APC Abia State governorship candidate, Chief Eric Opah pledged to govern with honesty, transparency and the fear of God if elected.
Chief Opah stated that his goal is to unite Abians, end divisive politics and ensure the judicious use of public funds for the people. He assured that public funds will not be used for personal business or propaganda.
The APC governorship candidate expressed concern that the projects being executed by the current administration do not match the resources available to the state.
Chief Opah was accompanied by Chief John Nwangborogwu, Dr. Ahaiwe and other party leaders.
