By Henry Umoru
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Abia State governorship election, Chief Etugo Ndubuisi Ogah, has pledged to reduce the cost of governance, drive industrialisation and ensure prudent management of public resources if elected governor.
Ogah made the pledge on Friday in Abuja shortly after submitting his nomination form at the party’s national secretariat.
The NDC candidate said his administration would prioritise industrialisation, infrastructure, education and security as the pillars of development, adding that industrial growth would be central to tackling unemployment in the state.
“I have the opportunity now to thank Almighty God for giving me the opportunity to contest for the governorship position under the platform of the NDC in Abia State. I know that with God all things are possible and we can move mountains.
“If, by May 29, 2027, I emerge as governor after the general election, I will do everything possible to change Abia. My priorities will be industrialisation, infrastructure, education and security,” he said.
Speaking on funding his proposed projects, Ogah said his administration would strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue while exploring other legitimate sources of financing.
“We have what we call internally generated revenue in Abia State. We need to work towards improving that first. We also have other areas through which we can harness funds to finance our projects,” he said.
Addressing concerns over rising unemployment and inadequate infrastructure, Ogah maintained that industrialisation remained the most effective solution.
“That is why I said my first focus will be industrialisation. When industries are established across all parts of Abia, our youths will naturally become employed,” he said.
On corruption, the NDC candidate promised prudent management of public funds and greater accountability in governance.
“To tackle corruption is to be prudent in every area of governance and in the management of public resources,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure projects by the current administration, Ogah argued that governance in the state had become unnecessarily expensive.
“Everybody knows that today the cost of governance in Abia is too high. We know there are infrastructure projects going on, but the cost of executing them is too high.
“We are going to reduce the cost of governance to the barest minimum while ensuring that the people of Abia enjoy the full benefits of good governance,” he said.
Speaking on the prospects of the relatively new NDC, Ogah expressed confidence that grassroots mobilisation and credible candidates would strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes.
“We need to work hard to establish the party in every community and local government in Abia. We must present credible candidates for the State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“We will campaign vigorously, engage people at the grassroots, reach out to market men and women, the elite and every segment of society.
“We believe that with our presidential candidate, vice-presidential candidate and my candidacy, Nigerians will have confidence in the NDC,” he said.
Delivering his message to the people of Abia State ahead of the election, Ogah assured residents that a new era of responsible leadership was possible.
“My message to the people of Abia is simple: hope is coming, accountability is coming and good governance is coming,” he said.
