Dr. Chijoke Kaduru, leader of the influential Nkwa Chikwere Movement in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State has pledged to deploy his political structure to deliver Prince Alex Mbata’s Senate ambition and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election.
Kaduru’s declaration came as close to 2,000 supporters, political leaders, women and youths converged at his Ngor Okpala residence on Sunday in a massive show of support for Mbata, the APC’s Imo East senatorial hopeful.
The gathering offered an early demonstration of the political strength of the Nkwa Chikwere Movement, a grassroots structure led by Kaduru, a former Imo East APC senatorial aspirant.
Among the political heavyweights at the event were former Imo APC chairman, Marcellinus Nlemigbo, Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Okenze Obinna and Owerri Zone APC chairman, Justus Ogu.
Past and present political office holders, party leaders and ward executives from different parts of Ngor Okpala also attended the event.
Kaduru urged members of his movement, particularly its women’s structure, to begin massive mobilisation for Mbata and other APC candidates ahead of the elections.
He said the Nkwa Chikwere Movement would work assiduously to ensure the success of the party’s candidates, asking the people to translate their goodwill and support for Mbata into votes when the time comes.
The former senatorial aspirant also pointed to Mbata’s family connection to Ngor Okpala, noting that the Imo East Senate hopeful has maternal roots in the area.
In his response, Mbata said he was encouraged by the show of support and assured members of the Nkwa Chikwere Movement that their confidence in him would not be taken for granted.
Mbata, a former Pro-Chancellor of Imo State University, said his record of empowerment and support for people over the years demonstrated his commitment to human capital development.
He urged voters to scrutinise politicians seeking elective offices and support only those whose contributions to society and commitment to the people could be verified.
The senatorial hopeful cautioned against politicians who surface only during election periods, saying voters should be guided by the antecedents and records of those seeking their mandate.
Mbata also promised to work with the people of Ngor Okpala and other parts of Owerri Zone to advance development and improve critical infrastructure if elected.
He further called for massive support for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that a united party would deliver greater benefits to the people of Ngor Okpala and Imo State.
Other speakers at the event included Obinna Egu, the lawmaker representing Ngor Okpala State Constituency, who appealed to party faithful to turn out and vote for APC candidates.
Egu, who is seeking re-election, said Ngor Okpala stood to benefit from the victory of APC candidates and urged party members not to leave the task of winning elections to others.
Former Imo Secretary to the State Government George Eche also expressed confidence that Mbata, Pat Ekeji, the APC candidate for Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency, and Egu would emerge victorious.
Eche said the large turnout at the gathering reflected the determination of Ngor Okpala people to support the APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
