The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, has urged the South-East to embrace strategic political alliances and greater participation in national politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nkwocha, who is the spokesperson for Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call over the weekend at a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
The meeting brought together community leaders and political stakeholders, who pledged to consolidate their political structures under the governing APC.
Nkwocha urged the South-East to reassess its political strategy in the light of its electoral strength, national political realities and the development opportunities available through constructive engagement with the Nigerian Government.
He maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated its commitment to the region through major infrastructure projects, institutional reforms and economic investments, despite the voting pattern recorded in the South-East during the 2023 presidential election.
The presidential aide cited the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the ongoing reconstruction of major federal highways, improvements in transport infrastructure and other economic initiatives as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
Nkwocha argued that the region’s comparatively smaller registered voter population made broader political partnerships and strategic engagement with other geopolitical zones important to its pursuit of national leadership.
He also questioned the political calculations of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, particularly reports of a possible political arrangement involving former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The presidential aide raised concerns about the implications of any proposed one-term presidency arrangement for the South-East’s long-term political aspirations, questioning whether such an agreement would serve the region’s collective interests.
Nkwocha further urged his kinsmen to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in national politics.
“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he urged, referring to the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to the Imo State Governor, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, recalled Imerienwe’s longstanding reputation for political organisation and grassroots mobilisation.
“We used to come to Imerienwe to learn how to play politics,” Onuegbu recalled, noting that Ngor Okpala had traditionally been recognised for delivering substantial bloc votes during elections.
Onuegbu commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for infrastructure development across Imo State, particularly improvements in aviation facilities that had enabled night flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
The Chairman of Ndi Nze Ngor-Okpala and Okenze Ngor-Okpala, Chief Sylvester Okenze Obinna, urged community members to support Nkwocha, whom he described as their son, and commended his contributions to the development of the area.
Obinna called on the people to demonstrate their appreciation through unity and electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
“Our son, Stanley Nkwocha, has made us proud, and we must stand together to support him. The best way to appreciate his efforts and the opportunities his position has brought to our community is to remain united and vote overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the coming elections. We must show that Ngor Okpala stands firmly behind its own,” he urged.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh also emphasised the importance of unity and strategic political engagement in advancing the community’s collective interests.
“Politics is both local and strategic. Strategic thinking must be used in order to make a success of our political ambitions,” Ekeh stressed.
Earlier, the Village Chairman of Umunakara Community, Ifeanyi Nwaiwu, announced that political leaders and supporters across the seven villages of Umuchieze, Umukoha, Umundiukwu, Umunakara, Umunwoko, Umuodu and Umuokoji had resolved to unite under the APC.
“There is no other party in contention. We are all collapsing our political affiliations into the APC,” Nwaiwu declared.
He assured the party leadership of the community’s commitment to the mobilisation exercise, stating, “We will not shame you.”
The ward chairman also presented requests for the grading of community roads and the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations to improve accessibility, security and economic activities.
The meeting attracted community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and other parts of the South-East, with discussions focusing on political participation, grassroots organisation and community development priorities.
