“I Am Tinubu’s Candidate” – Eric Opah Declares Confidence in Tinubu’s Support After Orji Kalu Backs Alex Otti for Abia Governorship

• Eric Opah has reaffirmed his confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s backing after Orji Uzor Kalu reportedly expressed support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 Abia governorship election.
• The APC candidate said he would not engage in a public disagreement with party leaders, insisting that he believes in Tinubu and the political structure he has supported.

The Abia State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eric Opah, has reacted to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s reported endorsement of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, had expressed confidence in Otti’s chances of retaining the governorship, a position that appears to differ from the APC’s position ahead of the election.

Reacting in a viral video, Opah described himself as the candidate of President Bola Tinubu and said he remained confident of the President’s support.

“I am the candidate of Mr. President. Therefore, our hope is very sure. Mr. President will not leave his own party for another political party.

“So, I am not going to join issue with any leader for whatsoever. For me, the same way they believe in Mr. President is the same way I believe in Mr. President. So, there is no question of listening to anybody.

“Whatever anybody says is entitled to his own opinion. So, for me, I believe in what we are doing and I believe in Mr. President.

“So, I ask you and since this structure I have been supporting for the last two years, now I will support it more and more and more.”

Opah’s comments come amid growing political manoeuvring in Abia ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with different political figures already taking positions on potential candidates.