The Action People’s Party (APP) has selected Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, popularly known as Mazi Gburugburu, as its consensus candidate for the Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone) in the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached without contest on Saturday, May 23, 2025, at the APP secretariat on Okigwe Road, Ugwu Orji, Owerri. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) witnessed the exercise, which was chaired by Barrister Obed Agu, the party’s National Organising Secretary and chairman of the Owerri Senatorial District Primary Election Committee.

The statement announcing the development was issued by Anyanwu Glory Ammarachi, Director of Public Relations and New Media for The Mazi Organization (TMO).

Party leaders present included the National Chairman, Barr. Uche Nnadi, the Imo State Chairman, Hon. Njesi Ernest Anayo, local government chairmen, and other executive members.

Dr. Amadi, from Umuekwune in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, is expected to leverage the zoning arrangement within Owerri Zone, which many stakeholders believe favours Ngor Okpala for the senatorial seat.

In his acceptance speech, Amadi highlighted the loyalty of party members who resisted offers from better-funded parties. He also addressed the security situation in the state, citing the recent killing of community vigilante in Umuguma, Owerri West, which he described as a failure of governance despite funds allocated for security.

The senatorial bid forms part of a broader political plan. Amadi, through The Mazi Organization (TMO), has indicated his intention to also contest the Imo State governorship in the November 2027 off-cycle election.

The seat is currently held by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who is eyeing the governorship. Other major parties have also fielded candidates for the Owerri Zone Senate seat:

– Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Prince Eze Madumere, former Deputy Governor

– All Progressives Congress (APC): Sir Alex Mbata

– Labour Party (LP): Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, former First Lady of Ondo State