The Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State chapter, has firmly denied reports that its 2027 governorship aspirant, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, is set to abandon his guber ambition, describing such claims as false, reckless and politically motivated.
In a press release dated February 11, 2026, and signed by the party’s spokesman, Cajetan Duke, JP, the State Publicity Secretary, Imo APP expressed “deep concern” over what it called a patently false front-page publication in Lead Express Newspaper, an Owerri-based tabloid. The newspaper’s Tuesday, February 10, 2026 edition had carried the headline: “2027: Chima Amadi may bury guber ambition for Owerri Senate, Plans to join ADC.”
Reacting to the report, the APP stated categorically and without reservation that the story was a complete fabrication, maliciously conceived and mischievously disseminated by individuals and groups unsettled by the growing popularity of Mr Amadi across the state.
According to the party, the narrative suggesting that Mr Amadi was considering a switch from the governorship race to the Owerri Senate seat, or plotting a defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), exists only in the imagination of political opponents rattled by the momentum of his movement.
The APP maintained that Mr Amadi’s commitment to contest the 2027 governorship election on its platform remains “absolute, unshakable and irreversible.” It stressed that there is no truth whatsoever to insinuations that he intends to abandon what it described as a people-endorsed mission.
The statement argued that the publication was part of a broader attempt to distract from what it termed an “unstoppable wave of support and enthusiasm” gathering behind Mr Amadi in every corner of Imo State.
Beyond rebutting the alleged defection plot, the party used the opportunity to criticise the state government, asserting that Imo has for too long groaned under failed governance. It cited what it described as systematic diversion of local government funds, collapse of rural infrastructure, poorly equipped hospitals, dilapidated public schools and erratic policy summersaults that have deepened poverty and despair.
The APP said Mr Amadi has consistently pledged to end what it called an era of betrayal and usher in transparent, accountable and genuinely people-centred governance that prioritises the welfare of every Imo citizen.
It pointed to his longstanding record of community service through The Mazi Organisation (TMO), alongside his background as an entrepreneur and creator of sustainable opportunities, as evidence that he possesses both the vision and the capacity to deliver measurable transformation.
Drawing parallels between his private sector record and his political ambition, the party said the same discipline, passion and results-driven approach that have defined his personal endeavours would shape his leadership of Imo State if elected in 2027.
While reaffirming respect for the media as indispensable partners in deepening democracy and holding power accountable, the APP urged journalists to recommit to professional ethics, including accuracy, fairness, balance and diligent verification. It noted that a simple telephone call to any authorised officer of the party or The Mazi Organisation would have exposed the alleged falsehood before publication.
Describing sensationalism and yellow journalism as damaging to public confidence, the party warned that misinformation and character assassination would neither distract nor derail its movement. It called on market women, commercial motorcyclists, teachers, farmers, students, civil servants, traders, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations, religious bodies and other concerned citizens to disregard the rumours and rally behind what it termed the real task: building an Imo State where government exists to serve, protect and uplift the people.
