Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, on Friday declared his interest to run for the Abia governorship seat in 2023.

Mr Ogah, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his intention known at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia.

This is his third attempt to govern the state. In 2015, he was highly tipped to pick the PDP ticket but lost to sitting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Again in 2019, he became the APC’s flag bearer but came a distant second behind governor Ikpeazu.

In a declaration speech, Mr Ogah said his decision to join the race was to enable him to change “the ugly narrative of the state, when elected”.

“I know that I have the capacity to transform our dear state. I will provide visionary and purposeful leadership that would take the state to higher levels,” he said.

The oil magnate said he would leverage his wealth of experience as a successful businessman to make the state great, and create an enabling environment for local and international investors.

Mr Ogah also promised to tackle the problem of dilapidated infrastructure and assured the electorate that he would provide quality roads and other social amenities.

He said that he would ensure adequate security of lives and property for businesses to thrive, especially in the major cities of Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.

He also said that his administration would work assiduously to ensure functional education in the state.

Mr Ogah said he would build standard hospitals in the three senatorial districts to meet the health needs of the people.

He also gave assurance that workers’ salaries and pensions would be paid as and when due, pointing out that “every labourer deserves his wages.”

(NAN)