By News Critic Reporters
The 2027 Abia governorship race is taking an interesting turn as cracks emerge within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the candidacy of Chief Eric Opah.
Dr Okoroafor Ukiwe, an APC chieftain and former Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, has advised Opah to stop spending money on his governorship ambition, alleging that major party stakeholders have abandoned his candidacy.
Speaking on Don FM’s political programme, The Agenda, Ukiwe described the APC governorship ticket as a “betrayed ticket,” arguing that Opah appears to have been left to prosecute the race without the backing of influential party leaders.
Opah emerged as the APC governorship candidate after a contested primary election in which he defeated Chief Henry Ikoh, the party’s acclaimed consensus candidate. Although efforts were reportedly made to reconcile aggrieved aspirants, questions remain about the level of unity within the party.
Political observers have also raised concerns about Opah’s visibility and electoral appeal, with some surveys reportedly placing him behind Governor Alex Otti and PDP’s Dr Kelechi Anosike.
Meanwhile, speculation about a possible political realignment has intensified following reports that some opposition figures, including Anosike, featured in the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
An unnamed party stakeholder also alleged that some APC leaders were unhappy with Opah over claims of his alleged openness to Otti’s return. These claims remain unverified.
On Otti’s re-election prospects, Ukiwe expressed confidence, citing what he described as the governor’s impressive performance over the past three years.
With the 2027 contest approaching, the big question is whether Opah can unite his party before taking on the opposition.
