By Sophia Afolabi
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has urged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast to close ranks and strengthen the party, warning that the region risks continued political marginalization if it fails to align strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Uzodimma made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Owerri, where he hosted APC leaders from Abia State led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
He commended party leaders for conducting what he described as successful consensus congresses in Abia State and across parts of the Southeast, noting that the process reflected unity, tolerance and perseverance among members.
The governor, however, urged members to consolidate on the gains of consensus as party primaries approach, warning that Nigeria is at a critical political juncture and that the Southeast cannot afford internal divisions at this time.
Uzodimma described the region’s performance in the 2023 presidential election as “a complete political accident,” insisting that such an outcome must not be repeated.
He argued that the Southeast’s relevance in national governance depends largely on its alignment with the ruling party, maintaining that the APC-led federal government remains the most viable platform for political inclusion.
“If you are not in the party, you cannot expect to have a say in government,” Uzodimma said, underscoring the importance of political participation through the APC.
The governor also called on party members to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, urging the region to make deliberate political investments to secure future benefits.
He expressed confidence that the APC would record significant electoral victories in the Southeast and across Nigeria, insisting that unity among members would be key to achieving that goal.
Reiterating his commitment to party cohesion, Uzodimma warned against internal rancour and called for sustained consensus-building, stressing that collective success must remain the priority.
He also pledged continued engagement with stakeholders in Abia State to ensure the party’s growth and electoral success in the region.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu commended Uzodimma’s leadership role in the Southeast APC, describing his efforts in fostering unity and coordination as strategic and forward-looking.
Kalu urged party members to deepen collaboration and avoid division, adding that leaders in the region must take deliberate steps to strengthen their political influence nationally.
He further praised ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the Southeast within the APC, while expressing appreciation to Uzodimma for what he described as his consistent support and leadership.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the meeting said the APC in Abia State had grown stronger and better organised, expressing optimism about the party’s chances in upcoming elections.
They also lauded Uzodimma’s leadership, noting that his approach had positively impacted both the party’s structure in the Southeast and its broader national outlook.
Among those who spoke were former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Abia State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu; Cosmos Ndu; Emeka Atuma; Nyere Anyim; Senator Nkechi Nworgu; and South East Zonal Youth Leader, Chimamkpa Ogbonna.
