By Douglas Princemola
The Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly and member representing Owerri West State Constituency, Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, has recorded a sweeping victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, emerging as the party’s candidate for the 2027 State House of Assembly election.
The primary election, conducted across the ten wards in Owerri West Local Government Area on Wednesday, attracted large participation from party delegates, stakeholders, youth groups, women supporters, and grassroots mobilizers who turned out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.
At the end of the keenly contested primary, Onyemaechi secured an overwhelming 28,411 votes, defeating three other aspirants to clinch the party’s ticket in a landslide victory that many political observers have described as a strong endorsement of his leadership and performance.
The results announced after the collation showed that Prince Osinachi Amako polled 1,121 votes, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Duru secured 842 votes, while Barr. Jaja Amobi recorded 756 votes. The margin of victory clearly demonstrated Onyemaechi’s dominance and widespread acceptance across the constituency.
Supporters erupted in celebration immediately after the declaration of the results, chanting solidarity songs and praising the lawmaker for what they described as years of accessible leadership, legislative excellence, and commitment to grassroots development.
Political stakeholders within the APC described the primary election as peaceful, transparent, and credible, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and internal democratic process currently being strengthened within the party in Imo State.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Hon. Onyemaechi thanked party members, supporters, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and constituents for standing firmly behind him throughout the primary process.
He said the massive support and confidence shown by the people would inspire him to continue working tirelessly for the progress and welfare of Owerri West people both within and outside the legislative chamber.
The lawmaker stated that he does not take the mandate for granted, promising to continue quality representation, effective lawmaking, and empowerment programmes that would directly impact the lives of the people.
According to him, the victory represents not only a personal achievement but also a collective triumph for the people of Owerri West who have continued to believe in his vision and leadership style over the years.
Onyemaechi further noted that his emergence for a third consecutive term has set a new political record in Owerri West State Constituency, making him the first lawmaker from the area to secure re-election for a third term in the Imo State House of Assembly.
He described the milestone as historic and attributed the achievement to the loyalty, trust, and consistent support he has received from constituents since he first assumed office.
The APC candidate assured residents that the next phase of his representation would focus more on youth empowerment, community development, improved welfare programmes, and legislative initiatives aimed at creating more economic opportunities for the people.
He stated that governance should always be people-centered, adding that leadership must reflect the needs, aspirations, and expectations of ordinary citizens at the grassroots level.
Onyemaechi also used the opportunity to appreciate the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his continued support, mentorship, and commitment to strengthening the APC across the state.
He described Governor Uzodimma as a visionary leader whose style of leadership has continued to unite party members and encourage peace, stability, and political growth within the APC family.
The Majority Leader commended the governor for creating an enabling environment that allows internal democracy to thrive, stressing that transparent primary elections help to build confidence among party members and supporters.
Several party leaders who spoke after the exercise praised the conduct of the election and congratulated Onyemaechi on his victory, expressing confidence that the APC would retain the Owerri West State Constituency seat during the 2027 general elections.
Some stakeholders noted that the lawmaker’s popularity has continued to grow due to his accessibility to constituents, regular interaction with community leaders, and efforts in facilitating developmental projects within the constituency.
Youth groups and women organizations in the area also applauded the outcome of the primary, describing Onyemaechi as a leader who has consistently supported empowerment initiatives and community-based programmes.
Residents who monitored the process described the election as one of the most peaceful and organized party primaries witnessed in recent years within the local government area.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the APC primary has further strengthened the party’s position ahead of the 2027 elections, especially considering Onyemaechi’s strong grassroots structure and influence across the ten wards of Owerri West.
Observers also noted that the victory sends a strong message about the level of support and confidence the lawmaker currently enjoys among party members and constituents.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, many supporters have expressed optimism that Onyemaechi’s candidacy will help consolidate the APC’s political dominance in Owerri West State Constituency.
For many party faithful and constituents, the outcome of the primary election is not just a political victory, but a reflection of continuity, experience, and confidence in a lawmaker they believe has remained committed to the development and progress of Owerri West.
