The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Austin Onyedebelu, has said the party is fully committed to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, warning party officials that they will be held accountable for the APC's performance in their respective areas.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting in Owerri, Onyedebelu said the party was stepping up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election and urged members to resolve internal issues before the campaign gathers momentum.
"If you lose our votes, we are going to hold you responsible. Don't tell us why you failed after the election," he said.
The meeting was attended by members of the State Working Committee, local government and ward executives from the nine LGAs and 105 wards in Owerri Zone, as well as elected council chairmen, councillors and other party officials.
Onyedebelu urged party leaders to identify and address challenges that could weaken the APC before the election.
"Tell us now what will make you fail so we can address it. If there is anything or any leader that will sabotage our efforts, you must tell us now for us to address it," he said.
He said the APC would rely on grassroots mobilisation and strong party structures to secure victory in 2027, stressing that unity among leaders and members remained critical.
The APC chairman also warned members against anti-party activities, saying those who work against the party should not expect political rewards from the opposition.
"If you support the opposition to win against your party, when they begin to share the proceeds of victory, they will first reward their own party members before remembering you," he said.
Onyedebelu described the 2027 general election as significant for Owerri Zone, particularly in relation to its aspiration to produce the next governor of Imo State.
Earlier, APC State Secretary Onyekachi Ibezim said the meeting was organised to strengthen engagement between the State Working Committee and party executives at the grassroots ahead of the elections.
He said ward and local government officials remained central to the party's electoral success.
Speaking on behalf of Owerri Zone, APC State Vice Chairman Justus Ogu assured the party leadership that the zone would work to deliver victories for APC candidates in all elective positions, from the presidency to the State House of Assembly.
The meeting marks the beginning of the Imo APC's mobilisation efforts as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
