The reported defection of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume from the All Progressive Congress, APC to the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA has weakened a planned harmonization plan said to be in the works as part of plans to bring all political stakeholders in Imo APC on one page .
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Though the move was initiated by Senator Hope Uzodinma, a source said the plan was aimed at bring all factions existing in Imo APC together.
Imo APC has been in turbulence since two factions emerged in the party. The entrance of Senator Hope Uzodinma further increased the intensity of the battle.
One of the factions is firmly controlled by Governor Rochas Okorocha while the other faction known as the “Allied Forces” or “Coalition” is made up of top chieftains of the party such as Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, Senator Osita Izunaso and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume who reportedly defected to APGA.
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The “Allied forces” camp had recorded temporary victory when it swept the party’s Congresses at all levels which the Governor cried foul.
An Owerri High Court cancelled the congress paving the way for the Okorocha group to hold fresh Congresses in the party. The Court verdict is being challenged by the Allied forces who have gone to the Appeal Court.
Outside the legal wranglings, the Governor’s camp seems to be having the upper hand in the party’s political chessboard all in a determined and focused plot to install his son in law’s and Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu as his successor in 2019.
This has not gone down well with other party leaders including other governorship aspirants in the party which may have forced Araraume out of the party.
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Senator Hope Uzodinma is alleged to be demanding a level playing ground for all contenders and stakeholders in the party.The Senator had last week said there will be harmonization in the party which may even lead to fresh Congresses.
According to reports, the Senator who is also aspiring to be Governor of the State on the APC platform was said to have approached the party leadership to intervene in the lingering crisis in Imo APC.
Sources told this newspaper that the option of harmonization
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tickled the party leaders who were positively disposed to explore the option. But with Araraume’s defection, there are signs that the idea may dwindle considering Okorocha’s disposition not to share the party structure with anyone.
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With the APC national leadership disposition to work with State Governors on its platform as part of plans to ensure President Muhammadu Buhari’s re- election in 2019, the harmonization plan in Imo APC may have eventually hit the rocks.
It could not be ascertained as at press time if the Coalition is disposed to the idea but there are strong indications that they may key into the proposal.