NDC Flags Off Abia Campaign, Says Obi Wave Will Sweep Party to Victory in 2027

The Governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abia State, Chief Etugo Ndubuisi Ogah, has pledged to replicate the leadership style of former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if elected Governor in 2027.

Ogah made the promise during the official flag-off of the party’s governorship campaign at the Etugo Divine Mandate Campaign Office in Umuahia, where he unveiled his administration’s proposed development agenda centred on industrialisation, job creation, security and economic prosperity.

The candidate, who hails from Uturu in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, expressed confidence that the NDC would win the 2027 governorship election, urging party members and supporters to intensify mobilisation across the state.

He promised to run a prudent, transparent and accountable government, insisting that public resources would be deployed judiciously to improve the living conditions of residents.

Citing Peter Obi’s record of financial discipline and resource management in Anambra State, Ogah said he would adopt a similar approach to governance in Abia.

The NDC candidate also accused the administration of Governor Alex Otti of falling short in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and industrialisation, arguing that Abia had yet to maximise its economic potential despite its historical reputation as a commercial and industrial centre.

He questioned the management of funds accruing to the state since May 2023 and challenged the incumbent administration to account for the resources received and the cost of projects executed.

Ogah further alleged that the present political arrangement in the state had encouraged discrimination and segregation through what he described as the ‘New Abia’ and ‘Old Abia’ dichotomy.

Outlining his economic plans, the candidate promised to attract investors and industrialists from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia to establish industries in Abia.

He said his administration would strengthen local production, reduce dependence on imported goods, increase internally generated revenue and transform the state into a major export hub.

Ogah cited China’s industrial city of Guangzhou as a model for his proposed transformation, expressing confidence that Abia could become one of the most industrialised states in sub-Saharan Africa.

He also pledged to tackle hunger within his first 100 days in office, describing the prevailing economic hardship as a situation requiring urgent government intervention.

AUDIO 1

The candidate, who said he had been involved in Abia politics since 2006, also called for equity, fairness and justice in the state’s political arrangement, insisting that it was the turn of Abia North Senatorial District to produce the next Governor.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governorship candidate, Engr. Bright Alaribe, attributed the turnout at the campaign flag-off to growing voluntary support for the NDC.

He maintained that the party was attracting supporters through its promises of development, meaningful change and economic prosperity rather than financial inducements.

In his remarks, the Abia State Chairman of the NDC, Ako Atulomah, criticised the level of development in the state despite what he described as increased government allocations.

Atulomah expressed confidence that the NDC would offer Abians a different style of governance, invoking the biblical declaration that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.

He said the party carefully considered its governorship candidate, aligning its search with the leadership philosophy of Peter Obi, whom he described as a model of accountable leadership.

AUDIO 2

The state chairman also declared that the party was united and prepared for the 2027 electoral contest, urging residents to support the NDC and participate actively in the democratic process.

Similarly, the South-East Zonal Chairman of the party, Sir Teddy Obe, expressed confidence in the NDC’s chances, describing it as a political platform capable of liberating Nigerians from poor governance.

The State Coordinator of the NDC Abia Pastors and Ministers Forum, Pastor Abraham Onyeoma, called on Christian leaders to intensify voter education and encourage their members to participate in elections.

Onyeoma expressed concern over voter apathy in the South-East, attributing it partly to political disillusionment and the perception among some residents that their votes do not count.

He maintained that political participation was necessary because decisions taken by elected officials directly affected the welfare and future of citizens.

The campaign flag-off, which was preceded by a mega homecoming rally in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, also featured the presentation of certificates of return to candidates of the party.

Speaking on behalf of the NDC House of Assembly candidates who all received certificates of return, the party’s Umuahia North candidate, Chinedum Obilor, thanked the party leadership and supporters for providing them with a political platform.

Obilor urged his fellow candidates to intensify their campaigns and work collectively towards securing victory in the 2027 elections, assuring supporters of their readiness to work towards what he described as rescuing Abia State and Nigeria.

The NDC House of Representatives candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Evangeline Iwenjiora, and the party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Uko Nkole, also expressed confidence in the party’s strength and organisational capacity.

Nkole urged supporters to remain vigilant and protect their votes during the elections, insisting that the party was prepared for the political contest.

Dailytrailnews reports that the NDC governorship campaign flag-off marks another phase in the party’s preparations for the 2027 Abia governorship election.