More than 30 aspirants are jostling for Okigwe Senate seat on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Imo State chapter.
The number of aspirants is said to be giving the party leadership some concern as Primary to elect or select a candidate would be announced whenever the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC schedules a date for the polls.
The APC is the ruling party in Imo State and analysts contend that this is the major factor why many aspirants are propelled to join the party for the senatorial contest.
“They (the aspirants) believe that once they secure nomination as candidate of the party for Okigwe Senatorial election, their chances of winning the election will be brighter.
Among those in the party jostling for the seat include Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who is aspiring for the seat a second time, Hon.Mathew Omegara, Former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon.Acho Ihim, former Secretary to Imo State Government, Mark Echendu, Hon.Chikwem Onuoha, Athan Achonu and many others.
Party leaders are said to be concerned on the development on the grounds that such high number of aspirants is a recipe for choas if the outcome of the Primary is not satisfactory to those who participated in the contest.
The State Caretaker Commitee Chairman, Marcellinus Nlemigbo (Marcon) was not available for comments on the development but top officials of the party who spoke on condition of anonymity said the party is not losing sleep over the high number of aspirants.
“The more the merrier. This shows the APC is the choice of the people. It is the most assured route to victory for those jostling for Okigwe senate seat” he said.