…APP candidate unveils 23-point manifesto, flags off campaign
UMUAHIA — The 2027 governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Abia State, Major-General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (retd), has attributed his survival of about 30 road accidents and three air crashes to what he described as a divine purpose to govern the state in 2027.
Ijioma spoke on Saturday while formally flagging off his campaign at Umuhu Ezechi Community Primary School, Bende, his country home, after receiving the APP flag from the party’s National Organising Secretary, Mr Obed Agu, who represented the National Chairman, High Chief Uchenna Nnadi
The retired general said one of the air crashes he survived was the incident that claimed the lives of 10 generals, including the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Andrew Azazi.
He recalled that he survived the crash because he had remained at Army Headquarters to prepare the minutes of an earlier engagement instead of joining the flight
“I survived many accidents and escaped three air crashes, including the one that claimed the life of late Chief of Army Staff, Azazi,” he said
“I was the secretary in Army Headquarters that toured everywhere with him But on that day, after we returned from Ibadan, I was to write the minutes and he said he wanted that minute ready before they returned from Obudu. That was how I stayed back and didn’t die in that air crash that killed 10 Generals.
“All these things that have happened and I survived was for one purpose And that purpose is 2027, when I will take over as the Governor of Abia State.”
Ijioma described the APP flag as a responsibility he would not take for granted and pledged to work for the party’s victory in the election
He unveiled a 23-point manifesto covering security, economic development, agriculture, education, energy, infrastructure, culture, accountability and inclusive governance
As part of his economic proposals, Ijioma said his administration would establish 17 local government farms and three state farms, with industries to process agricultural produce
He also proposed the establishment of “Abia rice shops”, “Abia milk shops” and “Abia meat shops”, where residents would be able to purchase locally produced food at subsidised rates
“Anywhere I go, I see hunger on the faces of my people, and I see anger It is that hunger that I want to feed and remove that anger through responsible leadership, efficient and effective governance,” he said.
The APP candidate also promised to establish a 16-storey university building in Umuhu within his first year in office, if elected, and upgrade the Ibere-Umuhu Road
Ijioma promises tougher security measures
On insecurity, particularly attacks allegedly linked to herders, Ijioma promised to introduce what he described as an “invisible security fence” across Abia State
He said the proposed security architecture would enable his administration to detect and respond swiftly to security breaches across the state
“Recently, I heard that Fulani herdsmen have started jumping into fences and farms in Ikwuano and other places When I become the governor of Abia State next year, there will be no issue of Fulani herdsmen everywhere,” he said.
“I will build what we call in the military, invisible security fence And when that is put in place, any breach or insecurity anywhere in Abia within 48 hours will be terminated,” he pledged.
He said his proposed security strategy would focus on protecting lives, property, farms and communities, while enabling residents to carry out their activities without fear
Ijioma faults Otti administration
Ijioma also criticised the performance of the incumbent Labour Party administration of Governor Alex Otti, questioning aspects of its expenditure, road construction and education programmes
He promised that his administration, if elected, would adopt what he described as a more meticulous approach to public resource management and avoid what he called errors in the presentation of budget performance
“I will be very meticulous and very careful with the management of the resources that will be placed under my care,” he said
The former Director of Military Operations said government performance should be assessed based on what residents could see and experience
He also called for greater accountability in the management of local government funds, alleging that development in some local government areas did not correspond with their increased allocations
Ijioma promises to pursue Kanu’s release
On the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Ijioma pledged to pursue legal, political and social avenues for his release if elected governor
“I will take every necessary measure, including legal, including political, including social, to compel the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu,” he said
He questioned why Kanu remained in detention while, according to him, some other persons who had been involved in violent activities had subsequently regained their freedom
Ijioma also announced a scholarship covering the education of a Primary Five pupil, Ekene Okorie, up to university level after featuring the boy in a demonstration during his address
Earlier, Agu, who represented the APP national chairman, described Ijioma as a “fearless General” with vast experience and knowledge, expressing confidence in his ability to transform Abia State
The campaign flag-off, described by the party as its first governorship campaign event in the state ahead of the 2027 election, attracted APP candidates, national and state party leaders, and supporters from across Abia
Ijioma, who said his emergence had made history in his community, urged Abians to vote for the APP in the February 6, 2027 governorship election
“This flag that has been presented to me today, I do not take it for granted I will work assiduously to ensure the victory of this party in the coming election,” he said.