Former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Hon. Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, has rejected claims by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 presidential election, insisting instead that the ruling party will record sweeping victories in Abia State and beyond.

Ikoh, who currently serves as Abia State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, described Senator Abaribe’s remarks as misleading and disconnected from realities on the ground, particularly in Abia State. He questioned whether the senator was speaking for Nigerians generally or expressing a personal political opinion.

According to Ikoh, the impact of President Tinubu’s administration has been felt positively in Abia State, especially through increased federal allocations to the state and its local governments. He argued that the improved inflow of funds has helped enhance the welfare of civil servants and pensioners, while also supporting infrastructure development across key sectors such as roads, healthcare and education.

Ikoh further credited the Tinubu administration with granting Abia State strategic political leverage at the national level, citing the emergence of a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from the state. He said the development has translated into increased federal presence, employment opportunities and institutional investments in Abia.

He also noted that Abia indigenes have benefitted from several federal appointments, including board positions, senior civil service roles and military promotions, developments he attributed to what he described as the administration’s inclusive approach to governance.

Responding to claims that Nigerians are suffering under the current administration, Ikoh acknowledged existing economic challenges but said the government has introduced several measures aimed at easing hardship and promoting economic recovery. He emphasised that state governors now receive increased monthly allocations from the Federation Account, funds he said are intended to drive development and poverty reduction at the grassroots.

Ikoh highlighted a range of federal programmes introduced under the Tinubu administration, particularly those focused on youth empowerment, skills development and entrepreneurship. He said initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, National Skills and Business Development schemes, Nigeria Youth Academy, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, and several youth-focused empowerment initiatives were designed to improve livelihoods nationwide.

He also praised the role of the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, in aligning states with the federal government’s development agenda.

Ikoh concluded by calling on Abia residents and the wider South-East region to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, expressing confidence that the APC’s performance would resonate with voters. He maintained that the party’s policies and programmes place it in a strong position ahead of the next general elections.