*Madumere, Ekechi, Gbujie, Others Opt Out*
*Izunaso May Join Araraume To Cock Party*
There is split in the Imo APC Coalition.
The Coalition is a group of politicians displeased with Governor Rochas Okorocha over his tight grip on the party in the State.
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The Coalition is made up of Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Madumere, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Senator representing Okigwe zone, Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State,Sir Jude Ejiogu, Former Commissioner,TOE Ekechi and others.
The Coalition had wrestled away the soul of Imo APC from Governor Rochas Okorocha during congresses in May only to be technically knocked out by the Governor through several court judgements and a fresh congress in July which saw Okorocha’s men retake the party.
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Senator Araraume is reported to have resolved to dump the APC and the Coalition to join the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA to further his governorship ambition. The proposed move caused some level of disharmony in the Coalition leading to a split on the planned move to APGA.
Those favouring the move to APGA argued that since the National Working Committee APC led by Adams Oshiomole came on board, it has been favouring the Rochas Okorocha backed Daniel Nwafor led State Executives of the party.
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Aside the legal fireworks which is also favouring the Okorocha camp, the breaking point was the invitation extended to Okorocha’s man, Nwafor to attend the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party held last week in Abuja. The Coalition backed State Chairman Hilary Eke was not invited.
Also the proposed harmonization plan, a proposal aimed at accommodating all stakeholders and bigwigs in the party is hanging in the balance as dates for primaries tick closer.
This newspaper gathered that at a crucial meeting held at the weekend to review the planned defection to APGA, Senator Araraume and his Destiny Organization insisted on moving to the cock party based on unfavourable ongoing developments in the APC.
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He may be accosted to APGA by a former National Organizing Secretary of the APC, Senator Osita Izunaso who will be reviving his senatorial ambition for Orlu Zone.
Other stakeholders such as Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere may have to stay put in the APC. Madumere was impeached by the Imo State House of Assembly. He is in the race for the governorship and his defection to APGA may further weaken his battle with Okorocha.
Sir TOE Ekechi and another governorship aspirant, Commodore Peter Gbujie may not make the train to APGA just as unconfirmed reports said Sir Jude Ejiogu may be pondering on his next move.
