By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
Political structures derive their real strength from the confidence and active participation of those who sustain them at the community level. Beyond party meetings and electoral calculations, meaningful grassroots engagement creates the platform for shared understanding, stronger organisation and a common sense of political direction. It was against this background that Distinguished Senator Engr. Patrick C. Ndubueze brought together the 64 APC Ward Chairmen across Okigwe Zone for an important interaction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The gathering took place at Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA, the country home of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Mrs. Ruby Emele. It brought together ward-level party leaders from Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte/Uboma, Obowo, Okigwe and Onuimo, providing a meeting point for political consultation, relationship-building and discussions on the future of the party across the senatorial district.
Represented by his Campaign Coordinator, Hon. Greg Owuamanam, Senator Ndubueze conveyed his appreciation to the Ward Chairmen for their dedication, loyalty and contributions to the party’s activities. He acknowledged the demands of grassroots political organisation and assured them of his continued partnership, support for their welfare and commitment to the development of Okigwe Zone. Owuamanam also used the occasion to outline key achievements associated with the Senator’s representation, presenting them as important milestones that deserve wider public recognition.
The developmental record featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the establishment of the Federal University in Okigwe, the 126MVA MOBITRA mobile substation project and telecommunications base station installations across the zone. The Federal University initiative received special recognition from former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and serving member representing Obowo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, who praised Senator Ndubueze for sponsoring and pursuing the establishment bill through the legislative process until it secured presidential assent. He described the university project as an enduring investment in the future of the people and expressed confidence in the Senator’s capacity to sustain his developmental contributions.
Rt. Hon. Ibeh further encouraged the Ward Chairmen to maintain their commitment to the party and support Senator Ndubueze’s second-term ambition, noting the importance of continuity in advancing the zone’s development interests. Other political leaders and stakeholders present included Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke, Rt. Hon. Chidi Ogbunikpa, Sir Ethelbert Nwachukwu and Hon. Dr. Emma Mbanusi, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders from across the district.
In their separate remarks, the Ward Chairmen expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the Senator’s political team. They described Ndubueze as a bridge-builder and a leader whose relationship with the grassroots deserved continued support, while pledging their loyalty to his leadership and the party. An interactive session also provided an opportunity to examine challenges affecting ward-level operations and discuss practical ways of strengthening cooperation, unity and organisational effectiveness.
