National News – Lucky Igbokwe, Abia State Director of the City Boy Movement, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to prioritise youth participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as he formally declared interest in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency ticket during a visit to the party secretariat in Umuahia on Monday.
The move, which took place at the APC secretariat on Azikiwe Road, brought together party stakeholders as Igbokwe urged leaders to give young aspirants who have never held elective office a fair chance.
He said his ambition is driven by youth empowerment and the need to strengthen the party’s electoral competitiveness.
The constituency spans Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South local government areas and is currently held by an opposition lawmaker, making it a key target for APC in 2027.
He framed the timing as strategic, with primaries expected under tightened internal party guidelines.
Igbokwe highlighted his political footprint, claiming mobilisation of over 60,000 youths for President Bola Tinubu through the City Boy Movement.
He also referenced his second-place finish in the 2023 Abia PDP governorship primaries as evidence of political resilience.
Beyond politics, he pointed to his media platforms, Don FM and Ikoro FM, as tools that have created jobs and expanded APC messaging in the state.
In response, Abia APC Chairman Chijioke Chukwu commended his engagement and confirmed the constituency’s strategic importance and a perceived vacancy.
However, he stressed that party tickets would be determined through grassroots consultations, with ward structures playing a decisive role in candidate selection.
He urged aspirants to intensify outreach and community engagement ahead of the primaries.
Observers say Igbokwe’s entry reflects a growing push for generational inclusion within Abia politics, though some local stakeholders argue that political influence and media reach may not guarantee electoral success in a strong opposition stronghold.
Analysts note that APC’s ability to balance youth inclusion with grassroots loyalty may shape its 2027 performance in the constituency.
The primaries are expected to be highly competitive across party structures.
