Imo APC Primary Reflected Uzodimma’s Growing Political Influence Ahead of 2027

What began as a routine party exercise on Saturday quickly transformed into a powerful political spectacle as thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters flooded Omuma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State during the party’s presidential primary election.

The atmosphere across the Governor’s hometown turned electric as Governor Hope Uzodimma returned to his ward to participate in the APC presidential primary that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Long before the Governor’s arrival, roads leading into Omuma had already been overtaken by large crowds of party faithful, youths, women groups and community leaders who gathered in anticipation of the exercise. The event soon evolved into what many observers described as a carnival-like political gathering marked by chants, songs, cheersa nd open declarations of loyalty to both Governor Uzodimma and President Tinubu.

As the Governor arrived at the venue alongside his wife, Chioma Uzodimma, the crowd erupted into deafening chants of support, creating scenes that reflected not only political mobilisation but also the Governor’s enduring grassroots appeal within the State.

Supporters repeatedly hailed Uzodimma’s administration for what they described as visible developmental projects, improved infrastructure and sustained political stability in the State, while also expressing support for President Tinubu’s administration at the federal level.

The massive turnout at Omuma became one of the defining images of the APC presidential primary in Imo State, underscoring the growing political momentum of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote, Governor Uzodimma declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had “earned the right” to seek re-election based on the administration’s reforms, democratic inclusiveness and growing public support.

The final collation of results took place at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre in Owerri, where Governor Uzodimma, who served as the APC Presidential Primary Coordinator and Returning Officer in Imo State, formally announced the outcome of the exercise.

According to the official figures declared, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured a landslide victory with 582,823 votes, while his challenger, Emmanuel Osifo, polled 103 votes.

The Governor disclosed that out of the 647,231 registered APC members in Imo State, a total of 583,963 voters were accredited, while 583,653 valid votes were recorded during the primary election.

Uzodimma described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, orderly and successful, while commending party members across the State for what he called their discipline, maturity and commitment to democratic participation.

Saturday’s exercise was conducted across the 305 electoral wards and 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State, with reports indicating large voter turnout and peaceful participation throughout the exercise.

For many within the APC, the event served as more than just a primary election. It became a demonstration of organisational strength, political structure and electoral readiness ahead of the 2027 elections.

The scale of participation, the emotional reception witnessed in Omuma and the overwhelming support displayed throughout the exercise further reinforced Governor Hope Uzodimma’s position as one of the APC’s most influential political figures in the South-East and highlighted the party’s growing consolidation in Imo State.