The forthcoming local Government election in Imo State expected to hold in December has ignited fierce and intense politicking in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the State with aspirants, party leaders and political godfathers turning on the heat.
The political intensity in the party increased after Governor Ihedioha in his Independence Day speech made it clear that he will hold the polls as planned.
This newspaper observed that chairmanship aspirants, interest groups, political godfathers have all turned on the political pressure in their various political domains pushing the aspiration of their preferred candidates for the chairmanship positions.
Fears have been raised that this may culminate into serious political bickering and internal scuffle in the party if the fierce scramble and jostle for the 27 local Government Chairmanship seats continues.
Some government officials are also involved in the fray, showing sympathy for some of the aspirants and using their links within the party’s fold and within government circles to back the ambition of preferred candidates.
Endorsements for aspirants mainly staged managed to curry the favour of party leaders have become the in- thing in the party, thus setting the stage for possible political commotion when the time for party nomination of candidates comes.
In some local governments, the scramble for the chairmanship seats is fiercer especially in areas where the Interim Management Committee Chairmen intend to transform to elected executive chairman. This newspaper was unable to verify reports which indicated that the current Interim Management Committee chairmen in the 27 local governments may not take part in the contest.
A top level source in the party who spoke to this newspaper said “This is a recipe for implosion if the craze for nomination of Chairmanship candidates continues this way.
“The best way to deal with this is to shun imposition and ensure free, fair and credible primaries are held.
“The Governor and all those who won elections on the platform of the party were all elected through free, fair and democratic processes at the party primaries. Nominations for party candidates for the chairmanship will go through the same process. There will be no favouritism
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