Retired Maj.-Gen. Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma has formally joined the 2027 Abia governorship race, pledging to build a secure, prosperous, and people-focused state anchored on the rule of law and transparency.
The retired army general, who led operations against insurgence in the North East in 2015, emerged by consensus as the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate during primaries in Umuahia on Saturday.
He unveiled a three-pillar agenda centered on security, food security, and fiscal discipline, declaring himself a “better alternative” for Abia.
He vowed to eliminate herdsmen attacks and kidnappings and to dismantle all security checkpoints across the state, which he described as “extortion points”.
Ijioma said: “I drove from Abuja and counted 38 roadblocks manned by armed personnel doing nothing but extorting our people,” he said.
“Sometimes passengers are forced to raise their hands and walk through. That doesn’t happen elsewhere.
“As your Governor, there will not be a single checkpoint anywhere, yet security will be guaranteed.”
The APP standard bearer promised a technology-driven “invisible security fence” to monitor criminal activity in real time.
“No crime will last 48 hours without perpetrators being brought to justice. No incident in Abia will escape my attention,” he declared.
Beyond security, Ijioma said tackling hunger and poverty would be a priority.
He proposed establishing three state-owned commercial farms, three zonal farms, and 17 LGA farms for food production.
He also pledged to create government-supported outlets, “Abia milk shops, Abia grain shops, and Abia meat shops”, where residents can buy staples at subsidised rates.
“As I came into Abia, I saw hunger. I saw anger on the faces of our people. That is the hunger I have come to fight,” he said.
The former UN commander in Darfur, Sudan, promised a lean government with reduced cost of governance.
“My convoy will not exceed six vehicles. Government money must work for the people, not luxury,” he said.
He promised rapid infrastructure upgrades in Umuahia and other urban centres, saying visitors would “struggle to recognise the city” within six months of his administration.
Ijioma also questioned the cost of some ongoing projects, alleging that a kilometre of road in Aba cost N4.4 billion while the Omenuko bridge gulped N28 billion.
He noted that Abia received about N1.5 trillion in federal allocations under the current administration but said residents still face hardship.
“The resources belong to the people. Citizens must demand accountability,” he added.
Assessing President BolaTinubu administration, Ijioma commended increased revenue to states but criticised the fuel subsidy removal for lacking adequate cushioning measures.
“I give the President credit for more funds to states, but some policies have inflicted hardship on ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Dismissing fears about challenging an incumbent, the retired general referenced his military service in Liberia, Sudan, and Nigeria.
“I signed my death warrant in 1983 at NDA. I am prepared to serve Abia with the same courage,” he said.
Likening the 2027 contest to “David vs Goliath,” he urged Abia residents to back his movement for security, prosperity, and accountable governance.
“I present myself as a tested and trusted alternative. Help is on the way. Together, we shall build a secure Abia, a strong economy, and a better future,” he concluded.
Earlier, APP State Chairman, Chief Larry Chiedozie said the party would “spring surprises” in 2027 with a people-centred manifesto.
