Meta Title:
Meta Description:
Excerpt:
News Tags:
OGUTA 2027: APP ADOPTS APOSTLE DAVID LEMCHI EBIRIM AS CONSENSUS CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION
By Lawrence Nnenna Nancy
E-ISSN:2354-4481
The Action People's Party (APP) in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State has unanimously adopted Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim as its consensus candidate for the Oguta State Constituency seat in the Imo State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The consensus nomination was ratified during the party's primary election held on Saturday, May 29, 2026, at Ejemekwuru, the designated venue for the exercise. The event was attended by party leaders, delegates, stakeholders, and members of the party from across the local government area.
Declaring the outcome of the exercise, the Returning Officer, Hon. Bonny Eze, said the emergence of Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim reflected the collective decision of party leaders and aspirants who voluntarily stepped aside in the interest of party unity, cohesion, and electoral success.
According to Eze, the development demonstrated the confidence and trust reposed in Apostle Ebirim by party stakeholders and members who believe he possesses the capacity, popularity, and political reach required to secure victory for the party in the forthcoming election.
He further commended the spirit of cooperation displayed by party leaders and members throughout the process, describing it as a rare example of political maturity and internal democracy.
"We also find out the unity and mutual respect among the party leaders and members of our great party, APP, which is a rare quality nowadays," Eze said.
He attributed the development to the quality of leadership within the local government chapter of the party and praised the efforts of the APP Chairman in Oguta LGA, Hon. Canice Arugbu, for his commitment to strengthening and expanding the party.
"Please, APP now has a candidate in the person of Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, who by your effort and decision, chose him to represent the people. I urge everyone to close ranks with the leadership of the party, our candidate to execute the general elections. I strongly believe with what I have seen today, Oguta LGA is for APP."
Continuing, Eze formally declared Apostle Ebirim as the party's candidate.
"So, by the power bestowed on me as the Returning Officer of the elections/Consensus of APP Oguta LGA State Constituency Seat, being today, the 29th day of May, 2026, and in accordance with our party guidelines and INEC, and having found you worthy as the overwhelming consensus candidate of Oguta leaders and delegates, I, Hon. Bonny Eze, affirm and declare you, Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, winner/candidate for the 2027 Oguta State Constituency Seat," he concluded.
In his remarks, the APP Chairman in Oguta LGA, Hon. Canice Arugbu, thanked the electoral committee led by Hon. Bonny Eze for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible process.
He also appreciated party stakeholders and other aspirants who initially indicated interest in contesting for the position but later stepped down in support of Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim in the interest of party unity and collective progress.
"Today is historic in the annals of Oguta, witnessing one of the freest, fairest, and most credible elections in Oguta. Some people do consensus and still fight. But today, leaders and aspirants alike have foregone personal interest for party unity and progress. This is a high mark of democratic maturity and I commend you all."
Arugbu further stressed the need for the party to shift its attention toward mobilization and voter engagement ahead of the general election.
"Having achieved this, our attention should be primarily focused on how to win the elections. This is demanding owing to the volatile and dynamic nature of Oguta politics. But I strongly believe that Oguta voters will vote for us, first, because of the credibility and competence of our candidate. He is a grassroots politician who understands the political landscape of Oguta. We are going to do this by engaging every stakeholder in the LGA to achieve victory," he said.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim expressed gratitude to the party leadership, delegates, stakeholders, and members for finding him worthy of the mandate to represent the party in the forthcoming election.
The cleric and former Chairman of the Labour Party in Oguta LGA described his emergence as one of the most memorable moments of his political journey.
"I am extremely elated today to be given this mandate from our party leadership. Today, the 29th of May, is my beautiful daughter's birthday, and today, I received one of the greatest gifts from all of us. This is a birthday gift, like no other!"
Apostle Ebirim emphasized the importance of responsible leadership and accountability in public service, noting that leadership must be anchored on service, integrity, and responsiveness to the needs of the people.
"As I have always maintained, leaders must lead by example. Leaders must be answerable to their subjects and leaders must have the requirements for leading a people like the great people of Oguta LGA."
He also formally reaffirmed his aspiration to represent Oguta State Constituency under the platform of the Action People's Party and pledged to provide quality representation if elected.
"On my honor, today, and as ever, I have proclaimed my desire to represent Oguta State Constituency under the umbrella of the Action People's Party (APP), led by our celebrated leader and scholar, Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi (Gburu), the incoming governor of Imo, to serve with honor and service if elected."
The APP candidate further disclosed that his campaign team would soon unveil a comprehensive manifesto designed to address the developmental and representation needs of the constituency.
"In the coming days, and in line with the leadership of our great party, we shall unveil our manifestos to the people of Oguta, a program that is meant to address the representative gap in our dear State Constituency and bring the needed results in true representation that resonates with the people."
He concluded by appreciating the support he received from party leaders and fellow aspirants who stepped down in his favour.
"Once again, I thank the electoral Returning Officer, Hon. Bonny Eze, my able and supportive LGA Party Chairman, Hon. Canice Arugbu, and those who stepped down for me. We all won, and together, we can deliver Oguta from the jaws of poor representation and leadership. God bless you," he added.
Political observers have described the emergence of Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim as a significant development in the Oguta political landscape. According to analysts, his grassroots appeal, accessibility, youth engagement, and previous political experience position him as a strong contender in the race for the Oguta State Constituency seat.
Observers also note that recent electoral trends indicate that voters are increasingly aligning with candidates perceived as accessible, grassroots-oriented, and capable of maintaining direct engagement with constituents, particularly young people.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, political parties across the country are accelerating their internal candidate selection processes.
The Action People's Party continues to strengthen its presence in the state with prominent figures such as Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi, founder of the TM Organization, and Hon. (Barr.) Ugochinyere Ugo Ikenga, the serving member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is among its notable political leaders and allies.
