The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, has charged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the party would “fight like a wounded lion” to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onyedebelu made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting between the State Working Committee and APC officials from the nine local government areas and 105 wards of Owerri Zone.
The meeting brought together local government party executives, ward executives, elected council chairmen, councillors and other party stakeholders to strategise ahead of the next general elections.
Addressing the gathering, the APC chairman described unity as the party’s greatest strength, stressing that collective commitment and effective grassroots mobilisation would be critical to securing victory for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Imo State.
He warned party officials that they would be held accountable for the party’s electoral performance in their respective wards and local government areas, urging them to identify and address any internal challenges before the elections.
“If there is anything that could make us fail or any individual planning to sabotage the party, this is the time to speak up so we can resolve it before the elections,” he said.
Onyedebelu emphasised that genuine voter mobilisation, rather than political shortcuts, remains the only path to electoral success, insisting that every vote must be earned through active engagement with the people.
He also cautioned members against anti-party activities, warning that supporting opposition candidates would ultimately undermine both the party and those involved.
According to him, those who work against the APC should not expect to benefit from the victories of rival political parties.
The state party chairman further described the 2027 elections as a crucial opportunity for Owerri Zone in its quest to produce the next governor of Imo State, urging party faithful to remain focused and committed to the APC’s collective objectives.
Earlier, the APC State Secretary, Onyekachi Ibezim, said the meeting was convened to strengthen engagement between the State Working Committee and grassroots party structures, noting that ward and local government executives would play a decisive role in determining the party’s success at the polls.
Speaking on behalf of party stakeholders in Owerri Zone, the State Vice Chairman for the zone, Justus Ogu, assured the leadership that the zone would mobilise massively to deliver victories for the APC in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
The meeting forms part of the APC’s early preparations to consolidate its structures and strengthen grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
