Fresh cracks have emerged within the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of Prince Alex Mbata as the party’s senatorial candidate for Imo East (Owerri Zone) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political leaders across the Owerri Federal Constituency are reportedly unhappy with Mbata’s emergence during the APC primaries held on May 18, 2026, with growing calls for the senatorial seat to shift away from Owerri North Local Government Area.
Sources within the party disclosed that the discontent is largely tied to zoning concerns and fears of political marginalisation within the zone. Mbata and the incumbent senator, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, are both from Owerri North, a development many stakeholders reportedly consider unfair after the area has held the seat for nearly a decade.
Party loyalists also referenced the brief tenure of the late Senator Amah Iwuagwu’s successor, Senator Eze Ajoku, who is equally from Owerri North, arguing that other local governments in the zone have not enjoyed equal representation.
The controversy has reportedly unsettled influential political figures from the Emekuku–Awaka–Egbu axis, often described in political circles as the “Emekuku cabal.” The bloc is believed to be strongly positioning itself for the 2027 governorship race and is allegedly uncomfortable with what some see as Governor Hope Uzodimma’s political calculations ahead of succession politics in the state.
A prominent political figure from Owerri Municipal, who spoke anonymously, claimed leaders across the Owerri zone are now considering backing a candidate from Ngor Okpala in the senatorial election as part of a broader strategy to strengthen their bargaining position for the governorship ticket within the APC.
The source noted that Ngor Okpala remains the only major bloc in Owerri Zone yet to produce a senator, a sentiment that has continued to fuel agitation among youths and political stakeholders in the area.
Attention is now shifting toward Dr. Matthew Chima Amadi of the Action Peoples Party (APP), whose growing popularity in Ngor Okpala and across parts of Owerri Zone is beginning to reshape the political conversation ahead of 2027.
Amadi’s supporters argue that his emergence represents an opportunity to challenge what they describe as years of political exclusion affecting Ngor Okpala. His candidacy has reportedly gained momentum following the defeat of APC aspirant Dr. Chijioke Kaduru during the party primaries.
Kaduru, a younger contender from Obiangwu in Ngor Okpala, had attracted significant support among youths before losing out to Mbata in the APC contest. His defeat appears to have deepened frustrations within the area, with many young voters now openly pledging support for Amadi irrespective of party affiliation.
Political observers say Amadi’s appeal may extend beyond Ngor Okpala due to his growing influence across Owerri Zone, including parts of Mbaise, Orlu and Okigwe. Some stakeholders within the Owerri Federal Constituency reportedly believe he possesses the political structure, grassroots reach and financial strength needed to withstand the dominance of the ruling APC during the general election.
As internal tensions continue to build within the APC, the battle for Imo East Senate is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of 2027.
