Excitement best captured the mood of Imo residents, Saturday, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma, and all candidates of the APC in the 2027 general elections, took to the streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital, in demonstration of their readiness to deliver all the candidates.
It was a one million-man march in support of Tinubu, Uzodimma, and other candidates of the APC across Imo State and a way the Party faithful reminded the opposition that the State is unarguably APC and will only support candidates of the Party come 2027 polls in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The rally which attracted youths, women and other supporters kicked off from the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Wethderal Road at 8 am, saw the supporters marched through the Bank Roads, and converged at the Government House Roundabout on Okigwe road.
Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Uzodimma at the event, commended Tinubu for his administration’s support for the State’s development.
She described Uzodimma as a visionary leader committed to youth empowerment, healthcare delivery and workers’ welfare, attributing the developmental achievements recorded in Imo to the strategic partnership between the state and Federal Government.
“The State has benefited in numerous ways from the presidency, including through the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable youths and women,” Ekomaru said.
She expressed confidence that Imo residents would reciprocate the Federal Government’s support by voting massively for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
She also urged residents to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections to sustain the State’s development.
In his remarks, the Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedelu, called on residents to support President Tinubu, Uzodimma and other Party candidates, insisting that the APC remained firmly rooted in the State.
Onyedelu highlighted the achievements of both leaders in healthcare, education, youth employment and security, urging Party members to communicate the administration’s programmes and policies to residents in their respective communities.
He also defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a necessary measure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Gradually, we are coming out of the woods,” Onyedelu said, expressing optimism that the country would eventually experience economic recovery, job creation and increased exports.
The APC Chairman urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also reminded them to identify and vote for APC candidates by looking out for the Party’s broom symbol on the ballot.
The Convener of the one million man march, Hon. Chinasa Nwaneri, said the rally was organised to demonstrate support for Tinubu, Uzodimma and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwaneri said the mobilisation reflected the Party’s determination to consolidate its presence across Imo State and prepare its supporters for the forthcoming electoral contest.
Speaking about the event, the APC National Ex-Officio member, Hon. Ikechukwu Ume, expressed confidence in the Party’s prospects in the 2027 elections, citing the large turnout at the rally as evidence of grassroots support.
Ume commended Governor Uzodimma, the State Party Chairman and the organisers for their roles in mobilising supporters. He said the gathering demonstrated the Governor’s support base and commitment to the Party.
He further assured the people of Imo State that the Party’s national leadership was prepared to defend the State’s interests at the federal level. Ume also praised the participation of youths and women, describing their presence as significant to the Party’s mobilisation efforts.
Other speakers, including Hon. Kanayo Onyemechi, representing Owerri Zone; Hon. Emeka Ndukwe, representing Okigwe Zone; Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, representing Orlu Zone; and Nnamdi Anyaehie, Esq., highlighted what they described as the infrastructural and economic achievements of Tinubu’s administration.
They urged Imo residents to support the APC at all levels in the 2027 elections, stressing the need for continued Party mobilisation and participation across the State.
