*BY BEN UGWU*
The last has not been heard over the controversial ward congresses of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State. The Congress had favoured the “Allied Forces” made up of political opponents of Governor Rochas Okorocha in the party.
Okorocha had lost out in the battle for the soul of the party as the “Allied Forces” held sway and claimed victory in the ward congresses.
This unsettled the Governor’s camp with reports reaching this newspaper that the Imo Governor had allegedly sought for “harmonization” when he visited the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun in Abuja recently.
According to a report, the Secretary of Congress and Convention Committee, Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu admitted that the Imo Governor appealed for the cancellation of the results, but was told by the National Chairman to follow laid down rules by submitting their grievances to the Congress Appeal Committee, CPA constituted by the National Working Committee of the party.
However, followers of the Governor continue to insist that the ward congresses has been cancelled and a new one has been scheduled to hold on Friday, 11th May, 2018.
But a statement seen by this newspaper credited to the Imo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchenti said the ward congresses was not cancelled, stating that the rumour was being peddled by mischief makers.
The statement reads:
“Following series of calls and enquiries by members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, Imo State chapter with respect to the rumour of the cancellation of last weekend’s ward congress which was adjudged to be very successful, our party wishes to state that the information as being peddled by mischief makers is unfounded.
You recall that the Appeal panel, constituted by the National leadership of our great party to deal with complaints arising from the congress concluded their sitting in lmo state yesterday,the 9th of May 2018.
Our party is therefore set for the local government congress scheduled for Saturday, 12th May 2018 across the State.
The public and all party faithfuls are therefore advised to disregard the rumour.
Engr Nwabueze Oguchienti,
Publicity Secretary, APC, Imo State.