Okezie Ikpeazu, who served as governor of Abia State from 2015 to 2023, has stated that he never promised to solve all of the state’s challenges during his eight-year tenure. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the former governor defended his administration, emphasizing that his manifesto was grounded in modest and achievable goals.
“I don’t regret anything because I was very humble and modest in my manifesto and in my social contract with the people of Abia,” Ikpeazu said. “I never promised that I would be able to do everything. The summary of my promise was that I was going to move Abia from where it was to a better place.”
Ikpeazu urged the public to evaluate his tenure based on the benchmarks he set, citing improvements in life expectancy and poverty indices during his time in office. He also highlighted achievements in job creation, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, noting that his administration built two industries, created over 5,000 jobs, constructed 220 roads, and erected 650 classroom blocks. Additionally, he said his government provided over 50 overseas scholarships and trained 30 shoemakers in China.
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ikpeazu also addressed the party’s ongoing internal challenges. On May 19, he dismissed concerns about defections from the PDP, asserting its resilience. “Even in what some may call its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in this country,” he remarked.
Ikpeazu’s comments come as the PDP grapples with internal crises, while his reflections on his tenure aim to reshape the narrative around his legacy in Abia State.
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