By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — A pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) group in Abia State, known as the Ozurumba Movement, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 and former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, for the 2027 Abia governorship race.

The group also urged President Tinubu to consider granting a presidential pardon to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), citing the need to restore peace in the South East region.

Speaking after a meeting in Umuahia on Monday, the movement’s Coordinator, Dr. Uzuegbu Uchechi, praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that he had demonstrated the capacity to navigate Nigeria through its challenges and “should be allowed to complete what he started.”

The group highlighted several of Tinubu’s achievements, including stabilising the Naira, reducing national debt, providing accessible student loans, achieving financial autonomy for local governments, and launching major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway and expanded road networks nationwide.

On the choice of Chief Ikoh as its preferred gubernatorial candidate, the movement said he had shown “capacity and competence” in previous public roles. It added that his industrial ventures in Abia would help accelerate the state’s march toward industrialisation.

Legal Adviser Mr. Paul Ubabisi noted that Ikoh’s recent appointment as Abia State Renewed Hope Ambassador reflects confidence in his leadership and record of driving progress for the state. Former Abia State House of Assembly member Hon. Chidi Nwankpa said Ikoh’s governorship would bring rapid economic transformation and industrial growth.

Addressing concerns about ongoing insecurity and economic hardship, Dr. Uchechi acknowledged the challenges but stated that Tinubu inherited these issues and has been working to address them.

On the matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration, he expressed faith that Tinubu would heed the growing appeals for his release “in the interest of peace and national unity.”