By Douglas Princemola
The political landscape in Imo State witnessed a renewed wave of internal restructuring and strategic repositioning on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as the Action Peoples Party (APP) held a decisive state congress that produced a new leadership team aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress, held at the party’s state secretariat along MCC Uratta Road in Owerri, drew a large turnout of delegates, stakeholders, and party loyalists from across the three senatorial zones of the state. The atmosphere was described as strategic and symbolic, reflecting a party in transition and preparing for a more active political role in Imo’s future.
At the end of the well-organized exercise, Hon. Ernest Njesi emerged as the new State Chairman, a development widely seen within party circles as the beginning of a fresh direction for the APP. His election was greeted with strong approval from delegates who expressed confidence in his ability to unite the party, strengthen its internal structures, and rebuild its grassroots presence across the state.
Observers at the congress noted that the exercise reflected a deliberate effort by the APP to deepen internal democracy and reposition itself as a viable opposition platform capable of competing effectively in the evolving political dynamics of Imo State.
In his acceptance, Njesi pledged to lead with inclusiveness, discipline, and a clear focus on rebuilding trust among party members. He emphasized unity as a core foundation for growth, stressing that the APP must move beyond internal divisions and channel its energy toward mobilization and electoral competitiveness.
The congress also produced a comprehensive State Executive Committee representing all zones and key party structures. Engr. Henry Alaribe emerged as Deputy Chairman for Owerri Zone, while Barr. Ogemdi Ezeionye and Hon. Ernest Ezirim were elected to oversee Orlu and Okigwe zones respectively. Engr. Emeka Onwukwe was chosen as State Secretary, with Hon. Peter Etoh emerging as State Treasurer.
In key administrative and strategic roles, Barr. Uche Nwosu was elected State Legal Adviser, with Barr. Casmir Anyanwu as Deputy Legal Adviser. Hon. Steve Nnadi emerged as State Publicity Secretary, while Hon. Wisdom Echefu was elected Deputy Publicity Secretary, reflecting a structure designed to strengthen communication and legal coordination within the party.
The party also placed strong attention on youth and women inclusion. Comrade Isidore Chukwuemeka emerged as State Youth Leader with Hon. Chinonye Ezurike as Deputy Youth Leader, while Lady Stella Chukwu was elected State Woman Leader and Mrs. May Obiyo as her deputy. Party officials described this inclusion as important to grassroots mobilization and long-term stability.
The congress was supervised by a committee led by Hon. Blyden Amajirionwu, which was widely commended for conducting a transparent, orderly, and credible process. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Dr. Nneka Iluogu, were present to monitor proceedings, alongside security agencies that ensured a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
Political stakeholders present at the event described the development as a reset moment for the APP in Imo State, noting that the party appears to be restructuring itself to play a more active role in future elections.
Speaking on behalf of the party leadership, Rt. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere described the APP as an emerging opposition force with growing national relevance, pointing to its representation in the National Assembly as evidence of its steady political expansion. He urged members to intensify grassroots engagement, strengthen ward structures, and focus on building electoral strength from the ground up.
Also speaking, Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director General of the Mazi Organization (TMO), noted the commitment of the party’s leader, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, to building a disciplined and people-centered political structure capable of delivering governance that reflects the aspirations of citizens.
With the conclusion of the congress, political analysts suggest that the APP has entered a new phase of reorganization, one that could determine its relevance in Imo State’s evolving political competition. The emergence of Njesi and the newly constituted executive is being viewed as a calculated move to stabilize the party, energize its base, and prepare for a more competitive showing in 2027.
As the dust settles, the message from Owerri is clear: the APP is not just reorganizing it is attempting a political comeback with renewed ambition, structured leadership, and a sharper focus on the future.
