The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday staged a “one million-man march” in Owerri as part of its strategic efforts to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The ‌solidarity march, tagged “Renewed Hope”, began at Dan Anyiam Stadium, passed through Emmanuel College and Douglas Road, and ended at Government House Junction.

Addressing the large crowd of supporters, Governor Hope Uzodimma attributed the developmental accomplishments recorded across the state to Mr Tinubu’s unwavering support and strategic partnership with the Imo government.

“The state has benefitted in numerous ways from the presidency, especially through the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable youths and women,” said Mr Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru.

He promised that the Imo electorate would reciprocate the federal government’s gesture by voting massively for Mr Tinubu’s re-election to sustain the state’s current developmental trajectory.

Also speaking, the state APC chairman, Austin Onyedelu, urged residents to vote for Messrs Tinubu, Uzodimma and other party candidates, arguing that the APC remained firmly rooted in the state.

Mr Onyedelu highlighted the achievements of both leaders in healthcare, education, youth employment and security.

He urged party members to communicate the administration’s programmes and policies to residents in their respective communities.

Mr Onyedelu also defended Mr Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a “necessary measure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges”.

The party chairman urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

A national ex-officio member of the party, Ikechukwu Umeh, lauded the massive turnout of party supporters, describing it as a “strong endorsement of Mr Tinubu’s administration”.

“This has further demonstrated how the Imo people have planned to successfully conduct themselves for the election in favour of the party,” Mr Umeh said.

The convener of the rally and Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, said the event aimed to celebrate the party’s achievements.

Mr Nwaneri expressed delight at the turnout, saying it signalled the South-East’s political trajectory toward re-electing Tinubu for his performance.

In his contribution, the immediate past speaker of the state assembly, Emeka Nduka, testified to improved infrastructure, particularly uninterrupted power supply, in parts of Owerri.

“This is no politics. Almost all of us in Owerri are enjoying the uninterrupted power supply made possible by Imo and the Federal Governments,” Mr Nduka said.

He urged residents to continue supporting the government to deepen the democratic dividend and ensure victory for all APC candidates across the state in 2027. 

(NAN)