Imo 2027: APC’s Akagburuonye deploys philanthropy, community devt as pre-campaign strategy

The 2027 governorship race in Imo State is expected to be fierce, competitive, and highly engaging.

The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is currently grappling with public dissatisfaction amid concerns over rising poverty, a struggling economy, worsening insecurity, and what many describe as the ostentatious lifestyle of the political elite.

However, within the APC ranks stands a figure many admirers liken to the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola) because of his philanthropy and commitment to community development — Chief (Barr.) Success Obioma Akagburuonye.

Widely described as simple, amiable, humble, and God-fearing, Akagburuonye is a business mogul and a 2027 governorship aspirant under the APC platform. Observers note that he has strategically intensified his humanitarian and community development efforts as part of his preparation for the forthcoming election.

Faith and Community Contributions

A devout Christian and committed member of the Assemblies of God Church, Akagburuonye built a befitting worship centre, Noah’s Ark Church, in Ogbor, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, which was commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also reconstructed St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in his community of Ogbor. The newly rebuilt structure was unveiled during his 60th birthday celebration on February 22, 2026.

Concerned about widespread hardship and poverty, Akagburuonye ventured into politics with the stated aim of restoring hope to those facing rejection, deprivation, and despair. According to his associates, over 300,000 people have benefited from his humanitarian initiatives.

His interventions span town halls, civic centres, school buildings, and road reconstruction projects across communities.

Educational and Community Interventions

Though he attended Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuzu, in Aboh Mbaise LGA — and not Uvuru Secondary School — Akagburuonye upgraded the Uvuru Secondary School field ahead of his 60th birthday celebration. The renovated facility hosted a novelty football match between former Super Eagles players and the Hope Rising Team.

His birthday celebration also reportedly attracted the sitting President of Ghana, who unveiled a three-wing duplex he built for his male siblings.

Public Perception and Political Positioning

Many residents of Imo State believe that if Akagburuonye could achieve so much outside public office, he could accomplish even more if elected governor in 2027.

Dr. Emma Ogbonna, Coordinator of Renewed Hope 2027, Aboh Mbaise LGA Chapter, remarked:

“Barrister Akagburuonye has demonstrated his capacity as a private citizen. He is a successful businessman and a billionaire who has built homes in Abuja, Owerri, and his hometown, Ogbor.

When elected governor, he will not be preoccupied with acquiring wealth or property. He already has them. He will not be distracted by loans or personal accumulation. These are the factors that will work in favour of the Akaraugo of Mbaise.”

From Humble Beginnings to Business Success

Born on February 22, 1966, in Ogbor, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State, Akagburuonye’s journey reflects resilience and determination. His early years were marked by hardship, but through perseverance and enterprise, he rose from modest beginnings to significant wealth.

Popularly known as OSA (Obioma Success Akagburuonye), his life philosophy is said to revolve around fate, faith, and fulfillment. Known for questioning conventional norms and seeking verification before acceptance, he demonstrated academic ambition by earning a degree in Civil Engineering before proceeding to study Law — qualifying as both an engineer and a lawyer.

He is credited with the saying:

“Concrete may hold a roof, but the law holds the people beneath it.”

His company, Praco Limited, emerged during Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation in the early 1990s. At a time when cities like Abuja and Lagos were expanding quickly, Praco developed residential estates that integrated communal spaces and affordability into their designs.

As the firm grew into commercial hubs and mixed-use developments, so did his prominence — and scrutiny.

Challenges and Resilience

In the early 2000s, Akagburuonye faced investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over land matters in Abuja. The prolonged investigation reportedly affected public perception of his business operations. However, he maintained his innocence and eventually emerged without conviction.

Reflecting on the experience during his acceptance speech at The Sun Humanitarian Service Awards on January 31, he stated:

“You cannot lead without being tested. The test refines you; it does not define you.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Akagburuonye appears firmly positioned in the political landscape of Imo State. Through sustained philanthropy, visible infrastructure projects, and grassroots engagement, he is steadily building political capital ahead of what promises to be a defining electoral contest.