Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Austin Onyedebelu, has said that the party leadership in the State will fight like a wounded lion to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reelected come 2027 presidential election.

Onyedebelu made the assertion during a stakeholders’ meeting between the State Working Committee of the party and officials of the APC drawn from the 9 LGAs and 105 wards of Owerri Zone.

The meeting was attended by the LGA party Executives, Ward Executives, elected LGA Chairmen, Councillors, and other party officials.

Addressing the gathering, the State Chairman stressed that unity remained the greatest weapon for electoral success.

He maintained that party members and the leadership must work together in ensuring overwhelming victories for Mr president and other candidates of the party in the State.

The APC Chairman warned party officials that they would be held accountable for the party’s performance in their respective areas.

“If you lose our votes we are going to hold you responsible. Don’t tell us why you failed after the election.

“Tell us now what will make you fail so we can address it. If there is anything or any leader that will sabotage our efforts, you must tell us now for us to address it,” he said.

Onyedebelu urged party faithful to rely solely on genuine grassroots mobilization rather than shortcuts, insisting that only real votes would guarantee victory.

He added that there is no other way to win elections than to count on real votes, and that the only way to achieve it is to remain united.

The State party boss cautioned against anti-party activities, reminding members that those who work against their own party would ultimately have nothing to gain.

“If you support the opposition to win against your party, when they begin to share the proceeds of victory, they will first reward their own party members before remembering you,” he added.

The State Chairman also described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for Owerri Zone in its aspiration to produce the next Governor of Imo State.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Secretary of the party, Onyekachi Ibezim, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to enable the State Working Committee to interact directly with party executives at the LGA and Ward levels ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.

He noted that the officers constitute the engine room of the party at the grassroots and would be held responsible for the success of the party in the forthcoming general elections.

Responding on behalf of Owerri Zone, the State Vice Chairman for Owerri Zone, Justus Ogu, assured the State Working Committee that the zone would not disappoint the party.

He assured that the Zone will deliver APC from President down to the State House of Assembly members.

Adams has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s players are indifferent to the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the disappointment has affected the squad more than anyone else.

READ ALSO: Akor Adams Admits World Cup Heartbreak Still Hurts Super Eagles Players

The striker said suggestions that the players do not care are unfair, stressing that missing football’s biggest tournament has significant consequences for their careers and personal ambitions.

“Missing the World Cup hurt us the most. People may think we don’t care, but we’re the ones living with the disappointment every day,” Adams said.

The Montpellier forward explained that representing Nigeria at the World Cup is a dream shared by every player, adding that failing to qualify is a painful experience for the entire squad.

According to him, the absence from the tournament also affects players’ visibility, career progression and opportunities at the highest level.

“Playing at the World Cup is every footballer’s dream. When you miss that opportunity, it has a huge impact on your career and your confidence,” he added.

Adams urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Eagles despite the setback, expressing confidence that the team can bounce back stronger in future competitions.

The 25-year-old maintained that the players remain fully committed to restoring Nigeria’s place among world football’s elite and ensuring the country qualifies for future major tournaments.