In a significant political development, Chima Matthew Amadi has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 Imo State governorship election. The aspirant, popularly known as Mazi Gburugburu, has aligned himself with the Action People's Party (APP), positioning himself as a fresh challenger to the state's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Formal Declaration in Ngor-Okpala
The official declaration ceremony took place on Sunday at the Community Primary School in Umuekwenne, located within the Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area. The event, attended by party officials, enthusiastic supporters, and local residents, served a dual purpose. It marked Mr. Amadi's formal registration as a member of the APP and his first public announcement of his ambition to secure the party's ticket for the upcoming gubernatorial contest.
In a speech that resonated with many attendees, Amadi launched a sharp critique of the current state of affairs in Imo. He argued that despite the state's abundant human and natural resources, it has lost its developmental direction. He pointed to a growing disconnect between government administration and the everyday realities faced by citizens, suggesting a wide gap between official claims of progress and the actual conditions on the ground.
Critique of Governance and Key Challenges
Amadi accused successive state governments of prioritising political propaganda over tangible development. He stated that public discourse is too often filled with empty slogans and showcase projects that fail to bring measurable improvement to the lives of ordinary people. According to him, persistent challenges in critical sectors like education, healthcare, market infrastructure, and neighbourhood amenities have left many residents deeply sceptical of government narratives.
Security emerged as a central theme in his address. Amadi described insecurity as a defining and crippling concern for numerous communities across Imo. He stated that the pervasive fear of violence and crime has severely impacted social life and stifled economic activity, leading to early business closures and restricted movement for residents. He emphasised that ensuring the safety of lives and property remains the most fundamental duty of any government, and the failure to do so has critically undermined public trust.
Economic Hardship and Institutional Failure
On the economic front, Amadi highlighted the increasing hardship experienced by traders, artisans, graduates, and young people. He contended that the high rates of unemployment and underemployment are less a result of individual idleness and more a consequence of policies that fail to support small businesses and local enterprise. He painted a picture of families struggling to meet basic needs, a situation he deemed unacceptable given the state's vast potential.
He further criticised the state of public infrastructure, citing deteriorating roads and poorly maintained facilities as major obstacles to investment and social mobility. Amadi also addressed the issue of corruption head-on, alleging that public resources are frequently diverted for private gain and that political loyalty is often rewarded over competence. This culture, he argued, has weakened state institutions and eroded citizen confidence in governance.
A New Platform and a Vision for Imo
Explaining his choice of the Action People's Party, Amadi presented it as a viable alternative platform outside of what he called the entrenched political structures in the state. He suggested that the APP offers a space for new political entrants and genuine grassroots participation, especially at a time when opposition politics in Imo has been fragmented.
Outlining his broad priorities for a potential administration, Amadi pledged to focus on comprehensive security reforms, economic policies tailored to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a renewal of critical infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on transparency in public spending. He framed these goals as part of a fundamental mission to redefine governance as genuine public service, rather than a platform for political entitlement.
This early declaration adds a significant voice to what is anticipated to be a highly competitive race ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election. While the formal electoral season is still some time away, political analysts note that such early realignments and announcements often play a crucial role in shaping political alliances and public narratives long before campaigns officially begin.
