APC Chieftain Apugo Mulls 2027 House of Reps Bid, Backs Otti’s Re-election Chances

APC Chieftain Apugo Mulls 2027 House of Reps Bid, Backs Otti’s Re-election Chances

A senior figure in Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikechukwu Martins Apugo, has said he will soon announce whether he will contest the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat in Abia State in the 2027 general elections..

Apugo made this known on Saturday during a media interaction with journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where he urged his supporters to remain patient while he continues consultations.

He said calls had been coming from youth groups, advocacy organisations, constituents and political associates, but noted that he was yet to take a final decision.

“There have been calls from youth groups, advocacy organisations, constituents and political associates,” Apugo said. “When the time is right, I will not hesitate to make my position known.”

He thanked his supporters for the confidence reposed in him, stressing that although he currently holds no elective office, any decision he takes would be guided by broad consultations and personal conviction.
“In politics, you must consult broadly before determining your next move,” he said.

“It is not a decision to be taken in a hurry. Whatever decision I make regarding the calls to contest will be made public.”
Commenting on the 2027 governorship race in Abia State, Apugo said Governor Alex Otti would be difficult to defeat if he seeks a second term, citing what he described as strong performance across key sectors.

“With the level of work done in infrastructure, education, health and the civil service, it will be difficult for any candidate, from any party, to defeat Governor Otti in 2027,” he said.

Apugo dismissed comments attributed to a former Abia State governor and current senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, suggesting that Otti would serve only one term, saying such views did not reflect the realities on the ground.
“Despite being a chieftain of the APC, my judgement is not clouded,” he said. “The truth must be told. Governor Otti has performed exceptionally.”

He highlighted improvements in urban order, road construction in Aba and Umuahia, civil service welfare, waste management, the establishment of a bus terminal in Umuahia and progress on the Abia airport project as key achievements of the current administration.

“People will ask themselves what Abia was like before and what it is like now,” Apugo said. “If voters are satisfied with the governor’s performance, they will vote accordingly.”
According to him, growing public support for Otti makes it unlikely that the governor would be voted out in the next election.

“Abians will not want to go backwards,” Apugo added. “What they have seen so far will influence their decision at the polls.”