Former Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Henry Ikoh, has declared his willingness to contest the 2027 Abia governorship election—if given the chance.
Ikoh, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his intentions known during an Easter celebration hosted at his Ahuwa Oboro residence in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Amid growing calls from youths urging him to run, Ikoh responded, “When we get to the bridge, we will cross. I’ve tried to rule this state before, and if the opportunity arises again, I will hold the bull by the horns.”
Though the event was not meant for political empowerment, Ikoh used the opportunity to emphasize party unity and grassroots mobilization.
“The local people are the engine room. They vote leaders into power,” he noted, while calling on APC members to remain focused, optimistic that the party would reclaim dominance in Abia and across Nigeria by 2027.
Chief Awa Jeremiah, Abia State Coordinator for Team Wazobia Nigeria for Tinubu 2027, also threw his weight behind Ikoh’s possible candidacy. He praised Ikoh’s pedigree as both a former minister and seasoned industrialist.
“If Ikoh becomes governor, he will excel in infrastructure and industry, creating jobs for youths,” Jeremiah asserted.
While applauding Governor Alex Otti’s strides in infrastructure, Jeremiah voiced concerns over the growing hunger and joblessness in the state.
“The governor is performing, building roads, but people are hungry. When people aren’t eating, nothing is going on,” he said.
He further called on Otti to urgently address the plight of unemployed graduates and seek federal interventions to reduce economic pressure.
“The governor is doing well in infrastructure, but he must ensure people aren’t hungry. We need job opportunities,” he stressed.
Jeremiah ended with a passionate appeal for a stronger APC presence and unity of purpose, insisting it was key to shaping Abia’s political and economic future.
