Former Minister of Science and Technology and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Abia State, Chief Henry Ikoh, has pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite his reported dissatisfaction with the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.
Ikoh, who is also the Abia Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, made the declaration during a meeting with his supporters in Umuahia, where he thanked them for their support during the recently concluded primary election.
Describing the process as “selection instead of election,” Ikoh acknowledged the disappointment among his supporters, who he said believed that their mandate had been denied.
Despite the grievance, the former minister urged his supporters to remain united, loyal to the APC and committed to the party’s objectives.
He declared that his immediate priority was to support President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
“My core mandate is to deliver Mr. President and all APC candidates,” Ikoh said.
Ikoh had reportedly enjoyed the backing of 13 out of 18 members of the party’s State Working Committee during the primary before Chief Eric Opah was subsequently announced as the APC candidate for the 2027 Abia governorship election.
However, Ikoh said the outcome would not make him abandon the party, insisting that the APC remains a formidable political family capable of winning the 2027 elections in Abia State.
He urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ozurumba Movement, Old Aba Division and other support groups to remain committed to the party and work towards its electoral success.
The former minister also called for stronger cooperation between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, arguing that closer alignment with the Federal Government would benefit the people of the state.
While acknowledging the economic hardship currently facing Nigerians, Ikoh expressed optimism that the reforms of the Tinubu administration would eventually produce positive results.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient, saying the country would gradually move from a consumption-driven economy to one based more on production.
Earlier, the APC State Organising Secretary and Isuikwuato Local Government Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Mr. Emeka Okoroafor, commended Ikoh for what he described as his integrity and decision to continue supporting the party despite his grievances over the primary.
He urged party members and supporters to remain united as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.
