Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the only presidential candidate recognised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emelumba made the remarks on Wednesday while leading journalists and government officials on an inspection of federal and state projects during the Presidential Media Tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team in Imo State.
According to the commissioner, Imo’s alignment with the APC-led Federal Government has strengthened development across the state, expressing confidence that the party would record another victory in the 2027 elections.
“We don’t know of any other candidate here. If there is any other person running for president, we don’t know. But as far as I’m concerned, as an APC, I know we have a candidate,” Emelumba said.
He noted that Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum and serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has maintained a strong working relationship with the Federal Government, resulting in several infrastructure projects across the state.
Emelumba cited the reconstruction of the Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia and Owerri–Okigwe federal roads as examples of projects delivered through collaboration between the state and the Federal Government. He said the roads have improved interstate connectivity, reduced travel time, lowered transportation costs and boosted commercial activities linking the South-East, South-South and northern parts of the country.
The commissioner also highlighted the ongoing transformation of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, describing it as a strategic project designed to position Imo as a regional hub for trade and logistics. He said the airport’s cargo operations would provide significant relief for South-East traders who currently rely on distant seaports and airports for imports.
Providing an update on the project, Airport Manager Dr. Ann Nkechi Ihekwaba said the runway is being extended from 2,700 metres to 3,200 metres to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft and support full international cargo operations. She disclosed that the expansion is expected to be completed within the next two months.
Other projects inspected during the tour included the upgraded Alvan Ikoku University of Education, formerly Alvan Ikoku College of Education, and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO), previously known as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
Also speaking during the tour, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said the projects demonstrate the benefits of cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments. He argued that reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy have increased the financial capacity of states to invest in infrastructure and development.
