Abia APC Gubernatorial candidate, Eric Opah Denies Viral Claim Linking Him to Promise to Free Nnamdi Kanu

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State for the 2027 election, Chief Eric Opah, has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that he promised to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, if elected governor.

The controversial post, which circulated widely across social media platforms, quoted Opah as saying: “I will set Mazi Nnamdi Kanu free once I become Governor of Abia State in 2027. I said it, and I will do it. I have the capacity, don’t doubt me.”

However, the APC governorship hopeful has strongly denied ever making such remarks, describing the statement as false, fabricated and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Eric Opah Campaign Organisation by the Director of Media and Publicity, Eric Ikwuagwu, the campaign accused unnamed political actors of deliberately spreading misinformation in an attempt to drag the candidate into unnecessary controversy ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“At no time did Chief Eric Opah make such a statement, either publicly or privately,” the statement read. “The fabrication is a clear demonstration of the growing desperation among certain individuals and political actors who have chosen the path of falsehood, propaganda and character assassination instead of issue-based politics.”

The campaign organisation condemned the circulation of the alleged quote, insisting that the intention behind the misinformation was to mislead the public and inflame political tension within the state. According to the statement, the campaign remains focused on governance issues, development plans and constructive engagement rather than divisive political narratives.

The organisation further described Opah as a responsible political leader committed to lawful governance, peace and democratic principles. It added that the APC candidate would not allow what it termed the “antics of mischief-makers” to distract him from his political objectives and campaign agenda for Abia State.

Supporters of the candidate were also urged to ignore the viral claim and rely only on verified statements issued through the official communication channels of the campaign organisation. The statement appealed to party faithful and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified political information capable of causing confusion or unnecessary tension.

The controversy comes amid heightened political activities and online propaganda ahead of the 2027 election season in Abia State, where political parties and aspirants are already intensifying grassroots mobilisation and public engagement efforts.