Give youths a chance, Abia APC aspirant urges party leaders

The Abia State Director of the City Boy Movement, Lucky Igbokwe, has urged the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress to give young people the opportunity to fly its flag in the 2027 general election.

Igbokwe made the appeal on Monday at the APC state secretariat on Azikiwe Road in Umuahia, when he visited the state working committee to formally declare his intention to contest the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency ticket.

He solicited the support of party leadership for young aspirants who have never held elective office, arguing that fielding fresh faces would help the party rally support and win elections in the state.

“Youths who have never held political office should be given a chance in the forthcoming party primary election. My ambition is not driven by mere political desire, but by a long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and party growth,” he said.

Igbokwe said the City Boy Movement under his leadership had mobilised over 60,000 youths in support of President Bola Tinubu, positioning himself as a grassroots force with proven political influence.

He also drew inspiration from his political journey, recalling his strong showing in the 2023 PDP governorship primaries, where he emerged second, saying his resilience and experience had prepared him for the 2027 contest.

“No dream is too big. A dream only remains big when you are sleeping; it becomes achievable when you work towards it,” he declared.

The aspirant further highlighted his contributions to employment and media development in Abia State, citing his ownership of Don FM and Ikoro FM as platforms that have not only created jobs but also amplified APC activities across the state

Responding, the Abia APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, acknowledged Igbokwe’s contributions and praised his commitment to the party’s growth.

He noted that the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency currently has a vacancy that the APC is willing to fill in 2027.

Chukwu stressed that effective representation goes beyond eloquence at the National Assembly.

“No matter how well you speak in the chamber, if your people do not feel your impact, then you have not done well,” he said.

He advised Igbokwe to intensify consultations at the grassroots level, noting that the power to determine the party’s flag bearer had returned to ward and local government structures.

He assured the aspirant that if he secured the APC ticket, victory in the general election would be within reach.

The Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, which Igbokwe is targeting, is one of the federal constituencies in Abia State. It covers Ikwuano and Umuahia North and South local government areas.

The seat is currently held by a lawmaker of a different political platform, making it one of the constituencies the APC has identified as winnable in 2027.