The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has elected Austin Onyedebelu as its new chairman, with Onyekachi Ibezim emerging as the party’s secretary.
The officials were returned on Tuesday during the party’s state congress held at Ndubuisi Kanu Square in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Their emergence followed the adoption of a unity list presented to delegates at the congress, a move party leaders said was aimed at fostering cohesion and avoiding internal contestation.
Delegates and party faithful at the venue affirmed the consensus arrangement through voice vote, clearing the path for what observers described as a hitch-free exercise.
Onyedebelu takes over the reins of the party from Mac Donald Ebere, the immediate past state chairman, whose tenure ended with the conduct of the congress.
Party stakeholders said the leadership transition marks a new phase for the APC in the state as it begins preparations for forthcoming political activities.
Ibezim, the newly elected secretary, previously served as chairman of the APC in Owerri Municipal, a position party sources say exposed him to grassroots mobilisation and internal party administration.
Speakers at the congress commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that the consensus model demonstrated the party’s resolve to close ranks after months of consultations.
The new executives are expected to oversee the party’s organisational structure across the 27 local government areas and strengthen internal mechanisms ahead of future electoral contests.
With the conclusion of the congress, attention is expected to shift to how the Onyedebelu-led executive will manage party affairs, consolidate unity among stakeholders, and position the APC for the next electoral cycle in Imo State.
