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Nigeria: Ex-minister urges APC loyalty, backs Tinubu for 2027 despite primary loss
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Nigeria: Ex-minister urges APC loyalty, backs Tinubu for 2027 despite primary loss

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A former Nigerian minister urged supporters to back President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections despite disappointment with a governorship primary outcome.
  • He emphasized party loyalty and the need for Abia State to align with the Federal Government for development benefits.
  • The politician expressed confidence in Tinubu's economic reforms, urging patience as the country shifts from consumption to production.

Former Minister Chief Henry Ikoh has called on his supporters to set aside grievances from the recent Abia State governorship primary and rally behind President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the 2027 elections. Ikoh, who is the Abia Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, addressed supporters in Umuahia, acknowledging their disappointment after what he termed a "selection instead of election" that saw Chief Eric Opah emerge as the party's governorship candidate.

My core mandate is to deliver Mr President and all APC candidates.

— Chief Henry IkohAddressing supporters about the upcoming 2027 elections.

Despite the controversy, Ikoh stressed the importance of loyalty to the APC, expressing optimism that the party would win Abia in 2027. "My core mandate is to deliver Mr President and all APC candidates," he stated, urging various support groups to remain committed. He believes that closer ties with the Federal Government are essential for Abia State to attract more development.

That is their personal opinion. As a responsible APC man, you have to be APC all the way.

— Chief Henry IkohDismissing predictions of a Labour Party victory in Abia.

Ikoh also addressed Nigeria's economic challenges, voicing confidence in President Tinubu's reforms. He claimed the naira has stabilized and that states can no longer depend on borrowing for salaries. He appealed for patience, asserting that the reforms aim to transition the country from consumption to production. Dismissing predictions of a Labour Party victory in Abia, Ikoh declared his unwavering commitment to the APC, stating, "I am APC in the morning, afternoon and night. We must deliver APC in Abia."

I am APC in the morning, afternoon and night. We must deliver APC in Abia.

— Chief Henry IkohDeclaring his unwavering commitment to the APC.

APC State Organising Secretary Emeka Okoroafor praised Ikoh's loyalty and commended him for mobilizing support despite the primary's outcome. Okoroafor criticized some APC leaders for allegedly working against party candidates. Dr. Paul Uzuegbu of the Ozurumba Movement pledged continued loyalty, echoing Ikoh's sentiment that "Politics is about loyalty."

Our leader has spoken. Politics is about loyalty. We will follow his footsteps.

— Dr. Paul UzuegbuPledging the Ozurumba Movement's continued loyalty to the APC.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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