2027: APC Guber Candidate Eric Opah Promises Tax Relief, Civil Service Reforms, Vows to Restore Local Government Autonomy

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Eric Chinemeucheya Opah, has unveiled a series of policy proposals aimed at reducing the tax burden on residents, reforming the civil service, strengthening local government administration and promoting greater accountability if elected governor in 2027.

Opah made the promises while addressing journalists at a press conference at his campaign headquarters on Azikiwe Road, Umuahia.

The APC candidate pledged to review and reduce what he described as excessive taxation in the state, particularly the burden on residents and business owners, noting that although taxation was necessary for revenue generation, it must reflect the economic realities of the people.

He also promised to abolish the eight-year premature retirement policy affecting Directors in the state civil service and recall workers he alleged were unjustly dismissed by the present administration.

Opah argued that experienced civil servants deserved protection, fair treatment and retirement benefits commensurate with their years of service.

On local government administration, the APC candidate questioned the independence of the 17 local government areas, alleging that funds accruing to the councils were not adequately reflected in the state of infrastructure, sanitation and development at their headquarters and surrounding communities.

He promised that his administration would ensure effective utilisation of local government allocations for grassroots development and strengthen accountability in the management of public resources.

Opah also called on the state government to allow market associations and transport unions to operate independently, faulting what he described as government interference in the leadership and internal affairs of such organisations.

He maintained that traders and transport unions should have the freedom to manage their affairs without the imposition of leadership by government.

Assessing the administration of Governor Alex Otti, Opah faulted what he described as the governor’s high rating in the media, alleging that some projects flagged off by the present administration had been abandoned.

The APC candidate, however, maintained that his proposed government would prioritise transparency, fairness, accountability and a more inclusive relationship between the government and the people.

He also dismissed reports of an alleged alliance with other governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he remained firmly in the race under the APC platform.

Opah said his ambition was to win the governorship election and provide what he described as a credible alternative for Abians.