Presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha urges the South-East to build strategic political alliances and increase participation in national politics ahead of 2027.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, has stressed the need for the South-East to embrace strategic political alliances and greater participation in national politics as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
Nkwocha made the call weekend at a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, where community leaders and political stakeholders pledged to consolidate their political structures under the ruling party.
The presidential aide said the South-East must reassess its political strategy in the light of its electoral strength, national political realities and the development opportunities available through constructive engagement with the Federal Government.
He maintained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated its commitment to the region through major infrastructure projects, institutional reforms and economic investments, notwithstanding the voting pattern recorded in the South-East during the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, ongoing reconstruction of major federal highways, improvements in transport infrastructure and other economic initiatives underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
Nkwocha argued that the region’s comparatively smaller registered voter population made broader political partnerships and strategic engagement with other geopolitical zones important considerations in its pursuit of national leadership.
He also questioned the political calculations of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, particularly reports of a possible political arrangement involving former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The presidential aide raised concerns about the implications of any proposed one-term presidency arrangement for the South-East’s long-term political aspirations, questioning whether such an agreement would serve the collective interests of the region.
Nkwocha further urged his kinsmen to demonstrate their support for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima administration, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in national politics.
“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he appealed, referring to the 2027 electoral elections.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to the Imo State Governor, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, recalled Imerienwe’s longstanding reputation for political organisation and grassroots mobilisation.
“We used to come to Imerienwe to learn how to play politics,” he said, noting that Ngor Okpala had traditionally been recognised for delivering substantial bloc votes during elections.
Onuegbu commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for infrastructure development across Imo State, particularly improvements in aviation facilities that have enabled night flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
“Under Governor Hope Uzodimma, aeroplanes now land at the Imo State Airport at night. More good things are coming in the future,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the community’s political commitment, declaring that “Imerienwe will deliver all APC candidates in the coming elections.”
Also, Chairman of Ndi Nze Ngor-Okpala and Okenze Ngor-Okpala Ggburugburu, Chief Sylvester Okenze Obinna, rallied community members to stand behind their son, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, commending his contributions to the development of the area.
He urged the people to demonstrate their appreciation through unity and overwhelming electoral support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
“Our son, Stanley Nkwocha, has made us proud, and we must stand together to support him. The best way to appreciate his efforts and the opportunities his position has brought to our community is to remain united and vote overwhelmingly for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the coming elections. We must show that Ngor Okpala stands firmly behind its own,” he said.
Also, Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh (rtd) emphasised the importance of unity and strategic political engagement in advancing the community’s collective interests.
“Politics is both local and strategic. Strategic thinking must be used in order to make a success of our political ambitions,” he said.
Earlier, the Village Chairman of Umunakara Community, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwaiwu, announced that political leaders and supporters across the seven villages of Umuchieze, Umukoha, Umundiukwu, Umunakara, Umunwoko, Umuodu and Umuokoji had resolved to unite under the ruling party.
“There is no other party in contention. We are all collapsing our political affiliations into the APC,” Nwaiwu declared.
He assured the party leadership of the community’s commitment to the mobilisation exercise, saying, “We will not shame you.”
The ward chairman also presented requests for the grading of community roads and the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations to improve accessibility, security and economic activities.
The meeting brought together community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and the parts of ths South East region with discussions focusing on political participation, grassroots organisation and community development priorities.
Others who spoke at the event included the APC Owerri Zonal Women Leader, Lady Tina Okere; the APC Vice Chairman in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Georginia Onuoha; APC Secretary in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ukachukwu Dubic; APC Youth Leader in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Chinedu Uhuka; APC Imerienwe Ward 5 Chairman, Nze Friday Ole; Hon. Onyema Hyacinth Madukaku; Hon. Akuta Fabian Ekene; Hon. Camsire Okoro; Chief Raymond Madu; Chief Kelvin Mbadiwe Ekeh, among others.
