There is more division among key stakeholders and members in Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State over 2019 political plans of Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.
Majority of party members are now more polarized on who among the two political gladiators they will align to in the party. It was observed that Araraume’s men are making serious in roads in the party securing the support of members and stakeholders.
The Senator has a formidable political machinary that works round the clock to woo party stakeholders including those in Okorocha’s camp.
This has really paid off following indications that some aggrieved party members who have been lamenting over lack of political patronage from Okorocha’s government have easily joined the Araraume camp in the State.
Since reports emanated that some APC delegates who are supposed to Okorocha supporters found their way in Araraume’s camp, there have been painstaking efforts by the Okorocha Rescue Mission disciples to ensure that no further black legs finds its way into the Governor’s camp at all levels.
This newspaper was informed that the list of Commissioners and Transition Committee chairmen were delayed because it ought to be thoroughly screened to avoid the entrance of suspicious party members whose allegiance cannot be guaranteed for the Rescue mission in the journey to 2019.
A source said though the party leadership in the State maintain loyalty to the Governor, the problem of serious divided loyalty lies at the Local Governments and Ward levels where there is rising disenchantment with the Governor and his aides who have not really done much to oil the party.
This has created room for the convergence of party members at most pro Ararume meetings across the local governments where they are given “goodies” and assured of better things ahead if they key into the Araraume for Governor project.
Some members of Imo State House of Assembly who are holding forte for the governor at the party level in the local governments have also been battling to get all party members on the path of absolute loyalty for the governor.
“It has not been easy holding all party members together because nothing much has been coming their way in terms of patronage. But things will get better because some of them who had the opportunity of meeting the governor during his 55th birthday celebration expressed how they have been suffering since the party came to power. I can assure you of their 100% loyalty to the Governor “said a lawmaker who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity.