By Kelechi Ugo
A coalition of youths in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State has reaffirmed its endorsement of Hon. Kenneth John Onyekwere for the State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, while dismissing reports suggesting that no candidate had been endorsed.
The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Obowo Local Government Youths led by Hon. Ndubuisi Collins Ogaraku, described a recent publication titled “Obowo Youths Deny Endorsing Anybody For State Assembly Seat” as misleading and the handiwork of “faceless individuals” allegedly linked to what it termed “item 7 politicians.”
In a statement made available to journalists, the coalition disowned the group behind the publication, identified as the Obowo Indigenous Youth Association, insisting it does not exist. The youths alleged that fictitious identities were used to discredit what they described as a widely supported position among stakeholders in the area.
“It is appalling that the writer of the misleading publication repeatedly mentioned Hon. Kenneth John Onyekwere as though he is endorsing himself,” the statement read. “On the contrary, it is the collective decision of credible and well-meaning youths who have chosen him based on merit and capacity.”
The group maintained that it serves as an umbrella body representing youth interests across Obowo and stands by its earlier endorsement of Onyekwere, citing his experience as Chief Executive Officer of Gastrol Oil and Gas Limited, as well as his record in philanthropy and private sector leadership.
The endorsement, according to the coalition, is also rooted in the principle of equity and rotational representation among the three political blocs in the area—Obowo East, West, and Central.
They noted that Obowo West held the Assembly seat for eight years under Hon. Celestine Ngobiwu, while Obowo Central, currently represented by Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, would have completed 12 years in office by 2027. Based on this arrangement, the group argued that Obowo East should produce the next lawmaker.
“It is a matter of justice, fairness, and inclusiveness. Obowo East has yet to produce a representative within the current rotation cycle. Hon. Onyekwere is well-positioned to fill that gap,” the statement added.
The coalition further claimed that their position reflects a broader consensus among key stakeholders, including youth groups, women’s associations, and socio-political organizations across the constituency.
They called on political actors to respect the zoning arrangement and urged the Imo State Government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, to support what they described as a legitimate demand for equitable representation.
The group emphasized that adherence to zoning principles would foster unity, reduce political tension, and strengthen democratic participation as the 2027 elections approach.
Meanwhile, Onyekwere’s candidacy reportedly received a boost at the Okigwe Zonal meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held in Umuelemai, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, where he was said to have drawn significant grassroots support recently.
