The Chief Political Adviser and Head of Political Bureau to the Imo State Government, Chief Perry Opara, has called on former All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship aspirants not to be troubled by the recent coalition of political parties emerging across Nigeria, assuring them that the APC remains the dominant political force in Imo State and Nigeria at large.
Chief Opara made this known on Friday during a courtesy visit by the 2024 Cluster of Former APC Councilorship Aspirants, held at the Government House, Owerri. The meeting, which began with the introduction of participants ward by ward, was attended by over 36 members of the group drawn from across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.
The group, under the leadership of Comrade CJ Dike, who serves as the State Coordinator, explained that they formed a unified body after the local government elections to continue their support for the APC despite not clinching victory. They particularly expressed gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for refunding the ₦1 million ticket fee to each aspirant, a gesture they described as both rare and encouraging.
Comrade Dike, speaking on behalf of the group, stated, “We felt it necessary to come together and show appreciation to the Governor, who honoured us by returning the money spent on purchasing our nomination forms. This is not just a show of gratitude, but a declaration of continued loyalty to the party and support for government projects.” He also appealed for a direct audience with Governor Uzodimma to further deepen engagement and collaboration with the administration.
According to the group, their supporters are spread across the 27 LGAs in Imo State, making them strategic grassroots mobilisers. They affirmed their desire to work hand in hand with the party and the state government to ensure that the vision of the present administration is realised at the local level.
In his response, Chief Perry Opara commended the former aspirants for their loyalty and described them as vital stakeholders who have demonstrated faith in the APC and its vision. He praised their continued commitment, saying, “Today, I have found trusted partners across the LGAs. You have proven that politics is not just about winning, but about service, loyalty, and sacrifice.”
Opara advised them not to be discouraged by the emergence of political coalitions as the 2027 general elections approach, insisting that the APC remains the most structured and people-oriented party. He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a strategic leader with unmatched political sagacity” and assured them that no other party would be able to match the strength of the APC in Imo and across Nigeria.
“There is no political party in Nigeria that can match APC’s strength in structure, delivery, and vision. Imo people are already seeing the dividends of democracy and are getting value for their hard-earned money,” Opara stated.
He also pledged that his office would work closely with the group, ensuring they are carried along in political consultations and programmes. “Do not leave the government, do not leave APC. The Governor is committed to delivering good governance, and you have a role to play in making it a reality. My office will work with you because you are part of the stakeholders driving development at the grassroots,” he affirmed.
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