The Igbo community in Rivers State has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was announced shortly after a meeting of members of the Igbo community in the state, tagged “After August Meeting.”
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Eze Ndigbo Gburuguru, His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Engr.) Samm Nwaokolo, said the community had resolved to participate in mainstream politics rather than remain in opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nwaokolo said the decision was reached by members of the community and that, as their leader, he would support their position.
“The people said they wouldn’t be in opposition, and as leader I must follow my people. They said for being in Rivers State, they cannot play opposition politics. And as a father, I will concur with that,” he said.
The traditional ruler said the community had communicated its position to O.K. Chinda and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
“I advised them not just to talk but to follow with actions, and we sent a letter to convey the heartbeat of Ndi-Igbo Community in Rivers State to O.K. Chinda and Chief Nyesom Wike,” he added.
According to Nwaokolo, Igbo women also participated in the event despite heavy rainfall, describing their presence as a demonstration of their commitment to the community.
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Speaking separately, the Women Leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Constance Ngozi Amaechi Onyeremma, said she had promised during her campaign for the position to pursue initiatives aimed at empowering women in the state.
She said more than 50 indigent women benefited from the empowerment programme.
“Today we empowered about 50 persons with sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, generators, hair salon accessories of different kinds, coolers and cash empowerment,” she said.
Onyeremma added that women leaders across the 23 local government areas also received special empowerment packages.
She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items and not sell them.
“For those that have not gotten, this is just a stepping stone. Next year theirs will be greater than what we see today,” she assured.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Igbo Community in Rivers State, Chief Emmanuel Anya, said the “After August Meeting” was organised to showcase the strength and population of the Igbo community in the state.
He reiterated the community’s decision to identify with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Board of Trustees Chairman of the group, Dr. Onyeremma Anayochukwu, also expressed support for the position of the community, saying he was obligated to identify with the decision of his people.
He declared his support for Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Hon. Collins Onuwor, a former Commissioner for Transport in Rivers State, commended the women for their participation and urged them to sustain the momentum.
He also advised the women to remain committed and obedient to their leadership.
