2027: APC Youth League Inaugurates Booth Watchdogs, Ward Canvassers in Imo As Onyedebelu Emerges Father
Honours, Ugogbaola, Amako Others
By Anselem Anokwute
As part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Imo State chapter of the APC Youth League (APCYL) has inaugurated Booth Watchdogs and Ward Canvassers across the state.
The inauguration took place during an interactive session and banquet held on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat on Okigwe Road, Owerri.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of APC Youth League, Dr. Promise Okolie, said the initiative of the Interactive session was aimed at repositioning the youth wing of the party to play a more active role in mobilization and electioneering at the grassroots.
According to him, the interactive session provided an opportunity for members of the league to engage with the newly constituted APC state leadership, as well as state executive members, local government coordinators and other stakeholders from the three geopolitical zones of the state on strategies for participation and ensuring victory for the party in the 2027 elections.
Dr. Okolie noted that the meeting also served as an avenue to appreciate political leaders who have consistently supported the activities of the APC Youth League. He listed the Grand Patron of the group and NDDC Imo State Representative, Hon. Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, Prince Charles Amadi (Charlvon), and the Minister of State for Finance, Hon. Doris Anite-Uzoka, among the leaders recognised for their support.
He added that the league conferred the title of “Worthy Father of APC Youth League, Imo State Chapter” on the APC State Chairman, Hon. Prince Augustine Onyedebelu, in recognition of his commitment to youth development and party building.
The coordinator further disclosed that the organisation honoured individuals whose contributions to grassroots development and good governance have been outstanding. Among the award recipients were Hon. Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu; the Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, (Ugogbola Ngor okpala) who received the award as the Best Performing Female Local Government Chairman in the state; and the Vice Chairman of Owerri West Local Government Area, Prince Osinachi Amako, (No Vex) honoured as the Best Performing Vice Chairman among the state’s local government councils.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Prince Augustine Onyedebelu, commended the youth body for its commitment to the party and assured members that they would remain an integral part of the APC’s political structure.
He urged coordinators at the state, zonal and local government levels to intensify grassroots mobilisation by recruiting at least 11 Booth Watchdogs and additional canvassers in each of the state’s 305 electoral wards to strengthen the party’s electoral network ahead of the polls.
Prince Onyedebelu accepted the honour bestowed on him by the APC Youth League and expressed confidence in the group’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
Responding to questions during the interactive session, the APC chairman said Governor Hope Uzodimma remained committed to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Imo Digital City project. He disclosed that plans were underway to establish digital centres across the three senatorial zones before extending the initiative to the 27 local government areas of the state.
On youth inclusion in governance, Onyedebelu maintained that young people would continue to play significant roles within the APC government, noting that the growing participation of youths in party activities would translate into greater leadership opportunities in the future and promised to take their message to the Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Also speaking, the NDDC Imo State Representative and the group,Grand Patron, Hon. Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, commended Dr. Okolie and the leadership of the organisation for their commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots.
He described the APC Youth League as a dependable youth platform, noting that many of its members currently serve as councillors and supervisors in local government councils, while expressing optimism that more members would emerge as legislators and occupy other elective positions in the future.
Speaking with journalists after receiving her award, the Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, (Ugo gbola Ngor okpala local Government Area) dedicated the honour to women in Owerri Zone, Governor Hope Uzodimma and the people of Ngor Okpala for their support.
She said the activities of the APC Youth League had inspired her to encourage greater participation of women in political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, Prince Osinachi Amako (No Vex) said the recognition would motivate him to sustain his youth empowerment programmes. He dedicated the award to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the youths of Owerri West Local Government Area and members of the public, reaffirming his commitment to promoting youth development.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the APC Youth League Booth Watchdogs and Canvassers by the State Party Chairman Prince Augustine Onyedebelu flagged by NDDC Imo State Representative Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu and other members of the State Party Executive members and Entertainment.