Onyedebelu’s Emergence Reflects Uzodimma’s Foresight — Obioha
Says APC is Prepare for Back to Back in
2027
By Anselem Anokwute
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Sir Chidi Obioha, has described the emergence of Prince Austin Onyedebelu as the State Chairman of the party as “divine” and a testament to the foresight and leadership capacity of Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking with newsmen on preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obioha, a technocrat from Orlu East Local Government Area and Chairman of the Revenue Collection Agents (RCA) Debit Recovery and Special Taskforce Committee in the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), said the APC remains a formidable political force in the state.
He noted that the party’s strength lies in its grassroots structure and inclusive leadership, stressing that it is well-positioned to compete favourably with other political parties.
Obioha described the new State Chairman, Prince Austin Onyedebelu, as an experienced technocrat and former national officer of the party, who has demonstrated capacity in public service, particularly in his role as a private investor and Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).
According to him, the APC’s dominance in the state is further strengthened by the leadership of Governor Uzodimma, whose administration, he said, has recorded significant achievements in human and infrastructural development.
“The party is firmly rooted at the grassroots, with representation across the State House of Assembly, National Assembly and the Presidency, coupled with a performing governor,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the APC would achieve a clean sweep in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the party is “poised to win across all levels without exaggeration.”
Obioha also congratulated Onyedebelu on his emergence, urging him and his team to work collaboratively to mobilise more members and consolidate the party’s dominance across the state.
On the controversy surrounding the increase in the cost of expression of interest and nomination forms, Obioha defended the decision, stating that it would help streamline the number of aspirants and ensure that only serious and capable candidates participate in the electoral process.
He argued that higher fees would discourage frivolous contenders and enable the party to maintain internal order and produce credible candidates.
“Elections require commitment and capacity. The pricing of forms is necessary to ensure that only those prepared for the demands of the process step forward,” he said.
Obioha added that the APC remains committed to upholding standards and promoting credible leadership within its ranks.