- THE NUMBER OF GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS IN IMO APGA HAS REINFORCED NEED TO IDENTIFY THOSE WHO ARE SERIOUS AND THOSE PLAYING TO THE GALLERY TO SAVE THE PARTY FROM IMPLOSION, WRITES JOHN OSUJI#
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA have more than 20 governorship aspirants.Never in the history of the party in the State have such a huge number of aspirants converged in the party at the same time.
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This makes it imperative to ascertain those who are serious with their ambitions or not. The question is who are the front-line aspirants that are likely to clinch the party’s governorship ticket at the primaries based on their antecedents and track records. And who among the pack are the Johnny Just come aspirants who seem to be in the race relying on the stroke of luck to actualize their aspirations.
Investigations reveal that only three or four governorship aspirants among the multitude in the party have shown seriousness in pursuing their ambitions using every fora to to unveil their plans for the State. They have used both the social and traditional media to highlight their unique selling points and why they feel they are the best for the State. This group of aspirants are also reaching out to key stakeholders across board. Indeed, they certainly qualify as frontline aspirants.
For some other aspirants who are on the back-line it has been a sleepy affair. After making public and open declarations of their guber ambitions, nothing much has been heard of them. Aside brandishing campaign vehicles aimed at marketing their image, little or nothing is heard of them. Some do not have functional campaign offices.
This has raised fresh concerns and curiosity. Is the influx of governorship aspirants into the party not driven by high level of acceptance of APGA in the State which could serve as a vehicle to convey any of them (even if the candidate is unknown to Imolites) to the seat of power of the State in 2019?.
It is a fact that APGA in Imo State still retain enormous support from the Imo populace. It is the party that took Rochas Okorocha to Government House in 2011. APGA nearly made Martin Agbaso Governor if not that powerful forces who had denied the party of victory in the past also frustrated his victory. That tells the strength of APGA in Imo. APGA has the colouration of a movement. And because it is tailored towards championing the Igbo cause, it has been embraced by Igbos – a feat which has aided its victory in elections in the region.
With its victory in Anambra State Governorship election last year, Imo State could be its next victory point if it harnesses the level of its followership. Because of its electoral appeal, it has become a new destination point for all manner of politicians who want to ride on the popularity of the party to become Imo State Governor. It made the mistake in 2011 and it will be catastrophic if it happens again.
OSUJI WRITES FROM OWERRI