Eric Opah, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Abia State governorship, has firmly denied making any public or private statement promising to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if elected governor. The denial comes after a viral social media report falsely 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.” The claim quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread speculation and concern among Nigerians.
In response, Eric Ikwuagwu, Director of Media and Publicity for the Eric Opah Campaign Organisation, issued a statement clarifying that the alleged quote is entirely fabricated. He emphasized that Chief Eric Opah never made such a statement, either in public speeches or private conversations. The campaign team described the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish Opah’s reputation. They accused unnamed individuals and political actors of resorting to propaganda and character assassination to undermine legitimate political discourse.
The statement condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, highlighting the dangers it poses to public trust and national unity. It stressed that such tactics are not only unethical but also dangerous, as they can incite unnecessary tension and mislead the public. The campaign team reiterated that Eric Opah remains committed to lawful governance, peace, and sustainable development for Abia State. He is focused on addressing critical issues like infrastructure, education, and security, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
The campaign urged citizens, party members, and supporters to ignore the fabricated report and continue supporting Opah’s vision for a better Abia. They called on media organizations and social media users to verify information before sharing, especially during election periods. The statement also warned that such falsehoods could be used to destabilize the political environment and distract from real development issues facing the state.
As the 2027 governorship race approaches, the incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigerian politics. Eric Opah’s campaign insists on transparency and issue-based politics, rejecting attempts to derail their message with manufactured controversies. The candidate’s team remains confident that the truth will prevail and that voters will judge him on his policies and record, not on fake quotes. This episode highlights the need for vigilance in the digital age, where political narratives can be easily distorted. The coming election season will likely see more such attempts, making it crucial for voters to seek credible sources and think critically before believing what they read online.
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