2027: Onyewuenyi Says Grassroots Knowledge Gives Him Edge in Isiala Mbano
By Anselem Anokwute
Ahead of the 2027 Imo State House of Assembly election, an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Candidate for Isiala Mbano State Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Onyewuenyi, has declared that his deep knowledge of the people and communities of Isiala Mbano gives him an advantage over other contenders for the seat.
Onyewuenyi, popularly known as “Mature,” made the assertion in a Sunday message to the people of Isiala Mbano, where he also called for unity, hope and renewed commitment to the development of the constituency.
He said he was not approaching the 2027 election as a stranger to the people, but as a “home-grown politician” who was born, raised and politically nurtured in Isiala Mbano.
According to him, his longstanding grassroots involvement has enabled him to understand the challenges confronting the various communities, clans and political wards across the local government area.
“I know Isiala Mbano more than any other contestant,” Onyewuenyi said, stressing that he could identify the clans, towns and villages in the area and speak authoritatively about the challenges confronting the people.
He specifically mentioned Osu, Ugiri and Mbama clans, as well as the various political wards, saying that each community had peculiar needs requiring focused legislative representation.
The APGA aspirant also highlighted his political experience within the party, noting that he had served in various capacities, including as a ward leader and local government leader of APGA, as well as coordinating chairmanship activities involving APGA local government chairmen in Imo State.
He contrasted his grassroots political experience with what he described as the approach of some aspirants whom he accused of moving from one political party to another in pursuit of elective positions.
Onyewuenyi said his ambition was anchored on integrity, accountability, accessibility, people-oriented representation, visionary leadership and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to quality legislation.
He further promised to give particular attention to the economic and social challenges confronting traders, teachers, students, farmers, artisans and youths across the constituency.
According to him, he is familiar with the difficulties faced by traders at markets including Anara, Umuelelemai, Orie Ezihe, Orie Amarakụ, Orie Ama, Ekezala, Orie Umuonyeogu, Afo Ibeme, Afo Amauzari, Eke Mbeke and Eke Obollo/Umuozu, among others.
He said his legislative agenda would seek to attract government attention to the challenges affecting the markets and improve the conditions under which traders conduct their businesses.
On education, Onyewuenyi said he understood the challenges confronting teachers and students in the constituency and would pursue practical measures aimed at improving the sector if elected.
He also promised to address youth restiveness through programmes that would promote empowerment, opportunity and productive engagement, saying that his youthful age and experience gave him a particular understanding of the concerns of young people.
The APGA aspirant further said his professional experience as a financial manager had equipped him with knowledge of prudent financial management, accountability and resource mobilisation, which he said would be useful in attracting development to the constituency.
He also drew attention to environmental and infrastructural challenges in parts of Isiala Mbano, particularly erosion and flooding.
Onyewuenyi expressed concern over erosion gullies at Ezihe and Umuekebi in Osu Owerri Ward 2, as well as erosion challenges in Isiama/Ihim Autonomous Communities in Osu Owerri Ward 1.
He also identified flooding and its attendant dangers in Amauzari, Ibeme and Umunkwọ wards as issues requiring urgent attention.
The aspirant criticised what he described as the “makeshift and ad hoc” attention being given to the Nkwọ Mbaa erosion gully, arguing that more sustainable intervention was required to protect communities and infrastructure.
He equally called for stronger security measures around crime-prone areas, particularly communities bordering Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Mbaise and Onuimo, to safeguard residents, businesses and property.
Onyewuenyi said his aspiration was motivated by a desire to serve the people rather than pursue political office for personal gain.
“This is not politics for me. It is service. It is home,” he said.
He urged the people of Isiala Mbano to enter the new week with renewed faith and optimism, expressing confidence that the constituency could achieve greater development through purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Onyewuenyi is seeking the APGA ticket to contest the Isiala Mbano State Constituency seat in the 2027 Imo State of Assembly on the 11 session.
