The Abia State Director of the City Boy Movement, Lucky Igbokwe, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to prioritise young aspirants for elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Igbokwe made the appeal on Monday during a visit to the APC state secretariat on Azikiwe Road, Umuahia, where he formally declared his intention to contest the party’s ticket for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat.

He urged party leaders to give youths who have never held elective office the opportunity to emerge as candidates, arguing that fresh faces would strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

According to him, his ambition is driven by a commitment to youth empowerment and party growth, rather than personal political interest.

He also noted that the City Boy Movement under his leadership had mobilised tens of thousands of youths in support of President Bola Tinubu, positioning it as a grassroots structure with political influence in the state.

Recalling his 2023 political experience, Igbokwe said he came second in the PDP governorship primaries and described the experience as one that had prepared him for future contests.

He further highlighted his contributions to job creation and media development in Abia State through his radio stations, saying they have helped create employment opportunities and promote political engagement.

Responding, the Abia APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, commended Igbokwe’s involvement in party activities and said the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat would be a key target for the party in 2027.

He, however, advised the aspirant to deepen grassroots consultations, noting that the party’s primary elections would now be strongly influenced by ward and local government structures.

Chukwu added that effective representation goes beyond rhetoric, stressing that constituents expect tangible impact from their elected representatives.

The Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, which includes Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South, is currently held by a non-APC lawmaker, making it one of the party’s strategic targets for the 2027 elections.