By Aaron Mike Odeh
The Nigeria Inter-Tribal and Inter-Religious Alliance for Peace, Unity and Development in collaboration with the Igbo Worldwide Progressive Congress has unanimously thrown its weight behind the gubernatorial aspiration of His Excellency Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh for the 2027 Abia State Governorship election.
The endorsement was made known in a statement jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Friday Mbomo, and supported by Kingsley Uche following the group’s interactive session meeting held on May 13, 2026, at the Royal Choice Inn.
According to the group, the ambition of His Excellency Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh is not only timely but represents “the best direction for the future of Abia State.” The coalition therefore called on sons and daughters of Abia State both at home and in the diaspora to rally round his aspiration and support his bid to secure the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group described Ikoh as a tested administrator, visionary leader, and experienced public servant whose track record in governance, leadership, and national assignments has positioned him as one of the most competent personalities to lead Abia State into a new era of growth and transformation.
They noted that as former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Ikoh demonstrated uncommon leadership capacity through policies and initiatives geared towards innovation, youth empowerment, technological advancement, and national development. They further highlighted his roles as Chairman and board member of several higher institutions across Nigeria, describing him as a leader with deep administrative experience and broad understanding of governance.
Speaking further, the coalition emphasized that Ikoh possesses clear developmental dreams and strategic visions for Abia State, particularly in the areas of industrialization, infrastructure development, youth employment, education, agriculture, digital economy, entrepreneurship, healthcare delivery, and security enhancement.
The group also praised his strong local, national, and international connections, stating that his wide network of relationships across political, diplomatic, business, and development circles would attract meaningful investments and partnerships capable of accelerating economic growth in the state.
They added that Ikoh’s growing acceptability across party lines and among stakeholders within and outside Nigeria continues to earn him endorsements from various groups, professionals, community leaders, youth organizations, and diaspora networks who believe in his capacity to reposition the state for sustainable progress.
According to the statement, Abia State requires a leader with competence, integrity, experience, accessibility, and global exposure — qualities they said are evidently embodied in His Excellency Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh.
The coalition concluded by urging delegates and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State to support the aspiration of Ikoh in order to usher in what they described as a “new dawn of inclusive development, economic prosperity, and people-oriented governance” across the state.