Chief Henry Ikoh, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant and Abia Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has called for unity in the party.
He met with supporters in Umuahia to thank them for their support during the recent primary election.
Ikoh said what happened during the primaries was “selection instead of election.”
He noted that many of his supporters were aggrieved because they felt their mandate was denied.
It is recalled that Chief Eric Opah was later announced by the party as its candidate for the 2027 Abia governorship election.
Despite the outcome, Ikoh urged his supporters to remain loyal and work for all APC candidates.
Ikoh declared that APC will take over Abia in 2027, adding that the party remains one formidable family focused on victory.
“My core mandate is to deliver Mr President and all APC candidates,” he said.
He added that Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ozurumba Movement, Old Aba Division and other pro-groups must stay committed to APC.
The former minister said APC must reconnect with the federal government for Abia’s benefit.
He acknowledged current hardship but expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms will yield results.
“The dollar has been stabilised and states can no longer borrow to pay salaries,” Ikoh said.
He urged Nigerians to be patient, adding that Nigeria will move from consumption to production.
Reacting to claims by some leaders that Labour Party will win in 2027, Ikoh dismissed it.
“That is their personal opinion. As a responsible APC man, you have to be APC all the way.
“I am APC in the morning, afternoon and night. We must deliver APC in Abia,” he said.
Mr Emeka Okoroafor, State Organising Secretary of APC and Isuikwato LGA Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, commended Ikoh.
He said 13 out of 18 State Working Committee members supported Ikoh during the primary.
Okoroafor praised Ikoh for not compromising his integrity and for calling for support for the party.
He criticised leaders playing “double games” by working against APC candidates.
The State Coordinator of Ozurumba Movement, Dr Paul Uzuegbu, also pledged loyalty.
“Our leader has spoken. Politics is about loyalty. We will follow his footsteps,” he said.
