Nwankwo passes APC Screening, Set for Ezinihitte Mbaise Assembly Primary
By Kelechi Ugo
The political landscape of Ezinihitte Mbaise State Constituency witnessed a significant shift on Monday as Amb. Uchechi Stella Nwankwo,a senior aide to the Deputy Senate President successfully cleared the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening process.
The clearance officially greenlights her participation in the upcoming primary election for the Imo State House of Assembly, marking a pivotal moment for the party’s gender-inclusive representation strategy in the State.
The screening Committee, tasked with vetting the credentials, Party loyalty, and eligibility of aspirants, reportedly found Amb. Nwankwo’s track record impeccable.
Sources within the APC State Secretariat, Owerri confirmed that she met all constitutional requirements and displayed a profound understanding of the legislative agenda needed for her Constituency.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving her clearance certificate, a visibly confident Amb. Nwankwo described the process as "transparent and democratic."
"This is not just a victory for me, but for the people of Ezinihitte Mbaise who desire a fresh, vibrant, and result-oriented representation. I am bringing years of experience from the highest levels of the Nigerian Senate to the grassroots," she stated.
The "Deputy Senate President" Factor
Political analysts suggest that Nwankwo’s current role as a trusted aide to the Deputy Senate President gives her a distinct edge. Having operated within the engine room of the National Assembly, she is viewed by many as having the requisite "legislative IQ" to attract developmental projects to Ezinihitte Mbaise.
Local stakeholders have noted that her exposure to federal policy-making could bridge the gap between state governance and federal opportunities, a selling point that is currently resonating with the APC delegates.
Amb. Nwankwo’s manifesto, which has gained traction across the wards in Ezinihitte, focuses on three core areas:
Youth and Women Empowerment: Leveraging vocational training and micro-grant schemes.
Infrastructure Advocacy. Ensuring Ezinihitte gets its fair share of state-funded road and health projects.
Legislative Oversight: Crafting bills that protect the agricultural interests of the Mbaise people.
While the screening hurdle has been crossed, the real test remains the Party primary. The Ezinihitte Mbaise APC chapter is known for its competitive nature, but Nwankwo’s entry has reportedly "unsettled the old guard," according to a party chieftain who pleaded anonymity.
"She represents a shift toward youthful energy and female inclusion, which aligns with the current direction of the APC leadership both at the state and national levels," the chieftain added.
As the primary election approaches, all eyes remain on Ezinihitte Mbaise to see if the "Ambassador of Change" can translate her screening success into a definitive mandate to represent the party in the general elections.
