The polarization of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC has taken a fresh dimension as a result of a strategic political understanding some “Abuja based” Imo APC politicians are forging with Senator Ifeanyi Arararume.
Majority of the Abuja group of politicians in the party have found “accommodation” in the aspiration of senator Araraume who is believed to be nursing the ambition to succeed Okorocha in 2019. Some of them who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said Araraume is the man with the nerve and bite to take Okorocha head on in the battle for Imo guber in 2019.
Araraume’s real or imaginary strong link with the APC national leadership seems to be the propelling factor attracting the aggrieved Imo APC “Abuja group of politicians” to him. He showed off such link when he effortlessly removed Okorocha’s choice for the Chairmanship of the party in his Isiala Mbano local government area.
Apparently dissatisfied with Okorocha, these group of politicians are strongly pushing for Araraume’s governorship candidacy despite the fact he has not publicly declared his ambition.
Many of those in this group have been holding nocturnal meetings with the senator on the way forward including politicians from Owerri zone. Majority of them are those who have an axe to grind with the governor and are apparently opposed to his “ non inclusiveness” and “one man show” in the party and style of governance in the state.
One of the Abuja group of politicians told this news website “We are seeing ray of hope in the senator. They are not just happy with Okorocha who appears to be running an agenda to install his Chief of Staff and son- in law as governor of Imo State in 2019”
Araraume is alleged to have extended his reach to critical stakeholders in Imo APC. He is said to have forged a strong understanding with the APC National Organizing Secretary, Osita Izunaso and Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu, senator representing Okigwe Senatorial zone.
He was said to be instrumental to the appointment of Hon. Uche Onyeagocha as member of the APC Campaign Council for the Osun West Senatorial Bye election. This claim could not be verified as at press time.
Onyeagocha resigned his appointment as member of Okorocha’s Special Development Council, SDC and has rather drummed the need for Owerri zone to produce the next governor of Imo State. Araraume is from Okigwe zone and he is known not have kicked against Onyeagocha’s postulations at least for now.
