*Outcome Of Primary To Overrun Endorsements, Consensus Candidate Exercise*
*By: Chris Okere*
Today’s Governorship Primary of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Imo State, is generating some mixed feelings following the reported adoption of Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere as Consensus Candidate For Owerri zone.
The adoption came after a similar effort failed on Saturday. Senator Hope Uzodinma, another governorship aspirant in APC was given the nod as consensus candidate from Orlu zone.
Those who masterminded the adoption are APC chieftains known as “The Coalition” who have been embroiled in a relentless battle for the soul of Imo APC with Governor Rochas Okorocha’s “Agburu Anyi” camp.
Okorocha is solidly behind the ambition of his former Chief of Staff and son in law, Uche Nwosu who goes into today’s primary with the formidable backing of the Governor.
The adoption of Madumere is however subject to the outcome of the primary where party members in the 305 wards in the State will choose who will be the party’s governorship flagbearer.
Analysts say what will count will be whom the party members eventually elect as the governorship and not an adoption that is not within the purview of the APC’s mode of electing party candidates.
Madumere’s adoption was done by party chieftains and Chairmen who belong to the Coalition camp who seem to have lost favour or legitimacy in the eyes of the National Working Commitee, NWC of the APC.
It was unclear as at press time if other aspirants from Owerri zone involved in the guber contest will back out of the race and rally round Madumere.
The consensus candidate option is coming few months after Uche Nwosu, a top contender for the post had received several endorsements form the 27 local government chapters of the party.
However, the dynamics of today’s primary and the fate of the aspirants are tied to the choice of about 1 million APC members who will file out today to vote who will be their candidate.
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