By Our Reporters
A growing wave of youth support is building across Owerri Zone in Imo State, as young political stakeholders, community leaders, and grassroots mobilisers rally behind Dr. Chijioke Kaduru ( Nkwa Chi Kwere 1) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Imo East Senatorial seat.
In what observers describe as a significant development ahead of the 2027 general elections, youths from the nine local government areas that make up Owerri Zone have openly declared their support for Kaduru, urging the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to recognise and back what they call a “people-driven candidature.”
The youths, under various socio-political groups and informal networks, made their position known through coordinated statements, town hall engagements, and stakeholder consultations held across the zone. Their message was clear and consistent: Dr. Chijioke Kaduru represents the aspirations of a new generation of leaders who understand the challenges facing young people and are willing to provide practical solutions.
From Ngor Okpala to Mbaitoli, from Owerri Municipal to Ikeduru, the campaign for Kaduru’s emergence has taken on a grassroots character, driven largely by youths who say they are tired of recycled leadership and empty political promises.
Speaking during a recent youth convergence in Owerri, one of the coordinators of the movement noted that the support for Kaduru is not based on mere political sentiment, but on a track record of visible contributions to youth empowerment and community development.
“We are not just supporting Dr. Kaduru because he is contesting,” the coordinator said. “We are supporting him because we have seen what he has done over the years. He has consistently invested in young people, supported businesses, and created opportunities without holding public office. That is the kind of leadership we need.”
Another youth leader from Aboh Mbaise described Kaduru as “a bridge between the older political establishment and the younger generation,” noting that his approach to leadership is inclusive and forward-looking.
Central to the growing endorsement is Kaduru’s long-standing involvement in youth-focused initiatives across Owerri Zone. Over the years, he has reportedly supported numerous young entrepreneurs with startup capital, facilitated skill acquisition programmes, and provided mentorship to aspiring professionals.
In Ngor Okpala, his home local government area, several beneficiaries recounted how his interventions helped them establish small businesses ranging from agro-processing ventures to digital services. Many of these businesses, they say, have grown into sustainable sources of income, employing other youths in the process.
In Owerri Municipal and Owerri West, Kaduru is credited with sponsoring vocational training programmes in areas such as ICT, fashion design, welding, and automobile repairs. Participants in these programmes were not only trained but also equipped with starter packs to enable them begin their trades immediately.
A beneficiary of one of such programmes, who now runs a modest tech hub in Owerri, described the intervention as life-changing.
“Before the training, I had the knowledge but no means to put it into practice,” he said. “Dr. Kaduru provided the tools and the support system that helped me start. Today, I train others and employ a few people. That is the kind of multiplier effect we are talking about.”
In addition to economic empowerment, Kaduru has also been involved in educational support initiatives. Reports indicate that he has awarded scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in rural communities where access to quality education remains a challenge.
Students from areas such as Ahiazu Mbaise have reportedly benefited from these scholarship schemes, which cover tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses.
Beyond direct empowerment programmes, Kaduru’s appeal among youths is also linked to his consistent advocacy for fairness and inclusion within Owerri Zone. Many young people believe that certain areas within the zone, particularly Ngor Okpala, have been historically marginalised in terms of political representation and development.
Kaduru, according to his supporters, has been vocal about the need to address this imbalance, calling for a more equitable distribution of political opportunities and development projects across the zone.
“Youths are beginning to understand the importance of equity,” said a student leader from Imo State University. “Dr. Kaduru has always spoken about inclusiveness, not just in politics but in development. He believes every community deserves a sense of belonging.”
This message appears to resonate strongly with young voters who are increasingly conscious of issues such as representation, fairness, and participatory governance.
While the youth movement continues to gather momentum, its leaders have also directed a clear appeal to the APC leadership in Imo State and at the national level. They are urging the party to consider the will of the people, particularly the youths, in its decision-making process ahead of the primaries.
According to them, backing Kaduru would not only strengthen the party’s chances in the general election but also send a strong signal that the APC is responsive to grassroots demands.
“The party must listen to the voice of the people,” one youth spokesperson said. “If APC truly believes in internal democracy, then it should support a candidate who already has the support of the grassroots. Dr. Kaduru is that candidate.”
They further argued that the increasing political awareness among youths means that parties can no longer impose candidates without risking backlash at the polls.
Political analysts say the rising support for Kaduru reflects a broader shift in the political dynamics of Owerri Zone, where young voters are becoming more organised and influential.
Traditionally, political decisions in the zone have been dominated by elite stakeholders and established power blocs. However, the current wave of youth mobilisation suggests that this pattern may be changing.
“This is a new phase in Owerri Zone politics,” said a political observer based in Owerri. “Youths are no longer passive participants. They are organising, articulating their demands, and pushing for candidates who align with their interests. Kaduru’s emergence is a product of that shift.”
The analyst added that any political party that ignores this trend does so at its own risk, especially given the growing number of young voters in the electorate.
Despite the growing support, observers note that Kaduru’s path to the Senate is not without challenges. The race for the Imo East Senatorial seat is expected to be highly competitive, with several aspirants likely to emerge from different political parties.
“We understand that politics involves many factors,” a youth leader said. “But we believe that when the people are united behind a candidate, it becomes difficult to ignore. Our support for Dr. Kaduru is organic and widespread.”
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually begins, the endorsement of Dr. Chijioke Kaduru by youths in Owerri Zone is shaping up to be one of the early indicators of how the political landscape may evolve.
For many young people, the campaign is not just about winning an election but about redefining leadership and governance in the zone.
“We want leaders who understand our struggles and are willing to work with us to build a better future,” a university student said. “Dr. Kaduru has shown that he cares about the youths, and that is why we are standing with him.”
Whether this groundswell of support will translate into electoral success remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that the youths of Owerri Zone are determined to have their voices heard—and in Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, they believe they have found a candidate who represents their hopes, aspirations, and vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
