By Douglas Princemola
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Hon. Arc. Chijioke Onumajuru, hosted the Mbaitoli APC Ward Chairmen at a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening party unity, boosting grassroots mobilisation, and consolidating the party’s political strength across the local government.
The meeting, attended by the APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Collins Obi, and ward chairmen from the twelve political wards of Mbaitoli, focused on the future of the party, internal harmony, grassroots organisation, and preparations for the next general elections.
The gathering also served as an opportunity for party leaders to exchange ideas on strengthening the APC at the grassroots while promoting greater cooperation among party executives across the local government.
Addressing the meeting, Hon. Collins Obi said the responsibility of delivering victory for the APC begins with effective leadership and strong grassroots mobilisation.
According to him, the party must remain united and committed to its ideals if it hopes to achieve its political objectives in 2027.
“It is a must that we deliver our own Akarachi, Ikpamezie and Mbata,” he declared.
He stressed that respect for the APC constitution and loyalty to the party leadership must remain the guiding principles for every member.
The Local Government Chairman described Hon. Chijioke Onumajuru as one of the party’s dependable leaders whose contributions have continued to strengthen the APC in Mbaitoli.
He also appealed to Onumajuru to convey the request of the ward chairmen to the member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Akarachi Amadi, for mobility support to improve grassroots mobilisation across the wards.
Collins Obi noted that Mbaitoli played a major role in previous electoral victories recorded by the APC and expressed confidence that the ward chairmen would once again rise to the challenge ahead of future elections.
Speaking on behalf of the ward chairmen, the Chairman of Ogwa I Ward, Mr. Thomson Ehirim, commended Hon. Onumajuru for his leadership and accessibility.
He appealed to him to intervene in the misunderstanding between the Local Government Chairman and his Vice Chairman, saying peace within the party remains essential to achieving success at the polls.
Another ward chairman, Hon. Christian Nlomije, expressed support for the leadership of Hon. Collins Obi and urged party members to resolve internal differences before the commencement of full political activities for 2027.
He also commended Hon. Engr. Akarachi Amadi for executing programmes that have positively impacted many constituents, describing his representation as people-oriented.
The Chairman of Amaike Ward, Hon. Nik Anusiem, praised Hon. Onumajuru for maintaining close relationships with grassroots party leaders and for consistently showing appreciation for their efforts.
He recalled that during the Easter Sunday Empowerment Carnival, Onumajuru invited the ward chairmen to receive financial support even after the programme had officially ended, a gesture he described as evidence of genuine concern for party faithful.
Anusiem said the ward chairmen remain committed to working for the success of the APC and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.
He equally applauded Hon. Engr. Akarachi Amadi for his empowerment programmes, which he said have improved the lives of many constituents across Mbaitoli and Ikeduru Federal Constituency.
According to him, APC structures at the ward and booth levels have become more active, although funding remains one of the major challenges confronting grassroots political activities.
Responding to the issues raised, Hon. Arc. Chijioke Onumajuru thanked the ward chairmen for their dedication to the party and assured them that their concerns would receive the necessary attention.
He said unity remains the foundation upon which every successful political party is built and urged members to avoid actions capable of creating division.
According to him, politics should strengthen relationships rather than destroy them, adding that no amount of pressure or financial inducement can compromise his integrity.
He appealed to the Local Government Chairman to exercise patience and leadership in resolving all outstanding misunderstandings within the party in the interest of lasting peace.
Onumajuru disclosed that he would convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving party leaders to address issues affecting unity before considering other requests presented during the meeting.
He assured the ward chairmen that he would personally communicate their requests to Hon. Engr. Akarachi Amadi, including the appeal for mobility support.
Speaking on the federal lawmaker, Onumajuru said Akarachi Amadi remains committed to delivering quality representation despite the demands of public office and his numerous development engagements.
He expressed confidence that the concerns of the ward chairmen would receive favourable attention at the appropriate time.
He also expressed optimism that the APC would approach the 2027 elections as a united force capable of recording another impressive electoral victory in Mbaitoli.
The meeting ended in an atmosphere of optimism as party leaders and ward chairmen pledged to work together in strengthening the APC across all communities in the local government.
The gathering concluded with a reception that provided members the opportunity to interact, exchange ideas, and renew their determination to build a stronger and more united party ahead of the next general elections.
