Chief Perry Opara, Chief Political Adviser to the Imo State Government, has dismissed fears over emerging opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship aspirants to remain focused and loyal. He made the remarks during a solidarity visit from the 2024 Cluster of Former APC Councillorship Aspirants at Government House, Owerri.
The group, led by Comrade Chijioke Dike and made up of 36 aspirants from all 27 local government areas in the state, said they came to express gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for refunding the ₦1 million paid by each aspirant for their nomination forms during the last local government elections—a gesture they described as unprecedented.
Comrade Dike emphasized that their visit wasn’t just symbolic. “This is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the APC and to the developmental agenda of the Uzodimma administration,” he said. He also made a formal appeal for a one-on-one audience with the Governor to deepen collaboration and grassroots mobilization ahead of 2027.
Opara, visibly pleased, described the group as “grassroots generals” who understood the value of service over personal ambition. He noted their loyalty to the party even after not clinching council seats and praised them for “proving that politics is not just about position, but about purpose.”
Addressing concerns over recent coalitions formed by opposition parties across the country, Opara assured the aspirants that the APC remains structurally and strategically ahead. “With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s experience and Governor Uzodimma’s delivery at the state level, we are positioned to retain power. Imo people are seeing results—roads, schools, jobs—and that’s what matters,” he said.
Opara urged the former aspirants to remain active in their communities and assured them of continued engagement through his office. “This government recognizes loyalty, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not be overlooked. Stay in APC. Stay committed,” he added.
The visit marks a strategic move by the Imo State APC to consolidate its grassroots network ahead of 2027, projecting internal unity and administrative goodwill as key weapons against any emerging opposition coalitions.
