Shettima’s Aide Asks South East To Embrace Strategic Political Alliances

The senior special assistant to the President on Media and Communications, (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, has urged the South-East to embrace strategic political alliances and greater participation in national politics as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

Nkwocha made the call at a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State, where community leaders and political stakeholders pledged to consolidate their political structures under the ruling party.

The presidential aide said the South East must reassess its political strategy in the light of its electoral strength, national political realities and the development opportunities available through constructive engagement with the Federal 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, notwithstanding the voting pattern recorded in the South East during the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, ongoing reconstruction of major federal highways, improvement in transport infrastructure and other economic initiatives underscored 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 considerations in 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 collective interests of the region.

Nkwocha further urged his kinsmen to demonstrate their support for Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Tinubu administration, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in national politics.

“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the vice-presidential ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he appealed, referring to the anticipated 2027 electoral contest.

“It will be a bad thing that after we have campaigned in different parts of the country, my own home people will now disappoint,” he added.

Earlier, the APC Ward Chairman, Hon. 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 ruling party.

“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, saying, “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.

Speaking at the event, retired Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh 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,” he said.

Ekeh urged community members to support Nkwocha and demonstrate appreciation for his contributions to the area.

“We must be united in our collective will to deliver our son so that his boss will know that we all appreciate what he has done for us,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to the Imo State Governor, Barrister 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,” he said, 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 have enabled night flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

“Under Governor Hope Uzodimma, aeroplanes now land at the Imo State Airport at night. More good things are coming in the future,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the community’s political commitment, declaring that “Imerienwe will deliver all APC candidates in the coming elections.”

The meeting brought together community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and parts of the South East region, with discussions focusing on political participation, grassroots organisation and community development priorities.

Others who spoke at the event included the APC Owerri Zonal Women Leader, Lady Tina Okere; the APC Vice Chairman in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Honourable Mrs. Georginia Onuoha; the APC Secretary in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ukachukwu Dubic; the APC Youth Leader in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Chinedu Uhuka; the APC Imerienwe Ward 5 Chairman, Nze Friday Ole; Hon. Onyema Hyacinth Madukaku; Hon. Akuta Fabian Ekene; Hon. Camsire Okoro; Chief Raymond Madu; Chief Kelvin Mbadiwe Ekeh among others.