Political leaders and stakeholders in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State have been urged to unite across party lines and throw their weight behind Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi ahead of the 2027 Owerri Senatorial election, described as a rare opportunity for the area to produce its first senator.
The call was made in an open letter addressed to political leaders and stakeholders of Ngor Okpala by a chieftain of the Action Peoples Party, APP, Cajethan Duke and made available to newsmen in Owerri
He argued that the forthcoming election presents a defining moment in the political history of the area and should not be squandered through division and partisan rivalry.
Duke in the the letter he personally signed acknowledged the contributions of political leaders over the years in sustaining the relevance of Ngor Okpala within Imo’s political landscape, but stressed that leadership must respond to the collective aspirations of the people.
According to Duke, the greatest political aspiration of Ngor Okpala remains the desire to produce a senator for Imo East Senatorial District, an ambition he said has been discussed for decades but has yet to be realised.
“Today, the aspiration of Ngor Okpala is clear and compelling. It is the long-standing desire to produce, for the first time, a Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District at the National Assembly,” the letter stated.
Duke argued that previous efforts failed largely because of a lack of “unified political capacity, coordinated strategy, and collective readiness” to pursue the objective, leaving Ngor Okpala at the margins of crucial political negotiations and opportunities within Owerri Zone.
He, however, said circumstances have changed with the emergence of Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, whom he described as “a distinguished scholar, accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary leader” whose entry into the political arena has altered existing calculations across the zone.
“That reality is the emergence of our very own son, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, PhD,” Duke stated, adding that his profile and achievements have opened “a credible pathway that was previously uncertain” for Ngor Okpala’s senatorial ambition.
Duke maintained that for the first time in many years, Ngor Okpala is presenting not just an aspiration but a candidate with the capacity and credentials to compete successfully. “We are not merely requesting inclusion; we are fielding a candidate whose profile naturally commands attention, respect, and consideration in any serious political engagement,” he said.
Describing the 2027 contest as a “rare and historic opportunity,” Duke urged political leaders to avoid “fragmentation or competing interests,” insisting that the moment requires “clarity of vision, unity of purpose, and courage of decision.”
“This is not a time for quiet hesitation or divided calculations. Rather, it is a time for sober reflection on what collective destiny demands of us.” he wrote.
In his letter, he also urged stakeholders to look beyond party affiliations, arguing that political parties should serve as instruments for participation rather than barriers to collective aspirations. “No party interest should outweigh the historic responsibility we now face as a people,” Duke stated.
Calling for unity among political actors in the local government, Duke appealed to leaders to prioritise legacy over sentiment and collective progress over personal calculations.
“History is already writing its pages, and our actions today will determine how Ngor Okpala is remembered tomorrow,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to “speak with one voice, act with one purpose, and move with one determination,” declaring that “the 2027 Owerri Senatorial Election is a time to play home,” while describing Chima Amadi as “the answer” to Ngor Okpala’s long-standing senatorial quest.
