The political battle for Imo East Senatorial District is beginning to take shape as the Action People’s Party (APP) has officially adopted Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, widely known as Mazi Gburugburu, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was sealed on Saturday during the party’s senatorial primary held at the APP secretariat along Okigwe Road, Ugwu Orji in Owerri. The exercise, which went uncontested, was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Barrister Obed Agu, National Organising Secretary of the APP and chairman of the Owerri Senatorial District Primary Election Committee, presided over the process. The announcement was later confirmed in a statement released by Anyanwu Glory Ammarachi, Director of Public Relations and New Media for The Mazi Organization (TMO).
Top party figures attended the event, including APP National Chairman Barr. Uche Nnadi, Imo State Chairman Hon. Njesi Ernest Anayo, local government party chairmen, and other members of the state executive structure.
Dr. Amadi, who hails from Umuekwune in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, is expected to benefit from ongoing zoning conversations within Owerri Zone. Political stakeholders in the area have continued to push the argument that Ngor Okpala should produce the next senator representing Imo East.
While accepting the nomination, Amadi praised party loyalists who remained committed to the APP despite alleged attempts by larger political parties to lure them away with financial incentives. He also used the opportunity to attack the state’s handling of security challenges.
Referencing the recent killing of a community vigilante operative in Umuguma, Owerri West, the APP candidate described the incident as evidence of governance failure. He questioned the effectiveness of security spending in the state and called for stronger accountability.
Amadi’s senatorial ambition is also being viewed as part of a wider political strategy ahead of the 2027 Imo governorship election. Through The Mazi Organization, he has repeatedly signalled interest in contesting for governor during the state’s off-cycle election later that year.
The race for the Owerri Zone Senate seat is already attracting heavyweight political figures. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has positioned former Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere for the contest, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is backing Sir Alex Mbata. The Labour Party (LP), on its part, is fielding former Ondo State First Lady Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
The seat is currently occupied by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who is widely believed to be preparing a governorship bid, setting the stage for a major political reshuffle in Imo State ahead of 2027.
