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Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, has questioned the implications of a possible political alliance between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging the South-East to rethink its political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nkwocha warned that any proposed one-term presidency arrangement arising from such an alliance must be carefully examined against the South-East’s long-term ambition of producing Nigeria’s president.
He spoke on Saturday at a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, where he called on the region to embrace strategic political alliances and strengthen its participation in national politics.
The presidential aide argued that the South-East needed to look beyond its voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election and consider the opportunities available through broader political partnerships and constructive engagement with the Federal Government.
According to him, the region’s comparatively smaller registered voter population makes strategic alliances with other geopolitical zones important to its pursuit of national leadership.
Nkwocha also defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that it had demonstrated commitment to the South-East despite the region’s electoral choices in 2023.
He cited the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, reconstruction of federal highways, improvements in transport infrastructure and other economic investments as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
He urged his kinsmen to support Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima in 2027, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in determining the region’s place in national politics.
“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he appealed.
The meeting also witnessed declarations of support for the APC by community leaders and political stakeholders, who pledged to consolidate their structures under the ruling party ahead of the elections.
Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Enyinna Onuegbu, recalled Imerienwe’s history of political organisation and grassroots mobilisation, saying the community had previously served as a reference point for political actors.
“We used to come to Imerienwe to learn how to play politics,” he said, noting that Ngor Okpala had traditionally been known for delivering substantial bloc votes during elections.
Onuegbu praised Uzodimma’s infrastructure initiatives, particularly improvements at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, which he said had enabled night flight operations.
“Under Governor Hope Uzodimma, aeroplanes now land at the Imo State Airport at night. More good things are coming in the future,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the community would support the APC in the forthcoming elections, declaring that “Imerienwe will deliver all APC candidates”.
Similarly, Chairman of Ndi Nze Ngor-Okpala and Okenze Ngor-Okpala Ggburughuli, Sylvester Obinna, urged community members to rally behind Nkwocha, whom he described as a source of pride to the area.
Obinna called for unity and electoral support for Tinubu and Shettima, arguing that the community should demonstrate its appreciation for the opportunities associated with Nkwocha’s position in the Presidency.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh also emphasised the need for strategic political engagement, saying the community must approach politics with a clear understanding of its collective interests.
“Politics is both local and strategic. Strategic thinking must be used in order to make a success of our political ambitions,” he said.
Earlier, Village Chairman of Umunakara Community, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwaiwu, announced that political leaders and supporters across seven villages—Umuchieze, Umukoha, Umundiukwu, Umunakara, Umunwoko, Umuodu and Umuokoji—had resolved to unite under the APC.
“There is no other party in contention. We are all collapsing our political affiliations into the APC,” Nwaiwu declared.
He assured party leaders of the community’s commitment to the mobilisation exercise, saying, “We will not shame you.”
However, the community also presented development requests, including the grading of its roads and the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights to improve access, security and economic activities.
The meeting brought together community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and other parts of the South-East.
Other speakers included APC Owerri Zonal Women Leader, Tina Okere; APC Ngor Okpala Vice-Chairman, Georginia Onuoha; the party’s local government secretary, Emmanuel Dubic; youth leader Chinedu Uhuka; and Imerienwe Ward 5 Chairman, Friday Ole, among others.
