Political footsoldiers of former Governor of Imo State and Senator representing Orlu zone in the senate, Senator Rochas Okorocha, particulary those elected to the Federal legislature, are in dilemma on how they will return to their positions for a second term.
Their fear is predicated on the fact, that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is in firm grip of the APC structure in the state, thus only those on his “line up” will scale through for party nominations for various elective offices in 2023.
Though Okorocha’s men anticipate that things will change in the party in their favour between now and 2023, sources said they are plotting an ‘escape route’, to ensure they are not smoked out of the party before the next elections.
Part of their plan, INNONEWS was told, is to join the clamour for an automatic return ticket for all APC members in the National Assembly.
The idea, this newspaper was told, will be sold to the party, after its national convention which is expected to usher in a new national party Chairman and members of the National Working Commitee, NWC.
The Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Commitee, has come under criticisms for pandering to the interests of state governors, who are his colleagues in the party.
Buni is Governor of Yobe State.
But a chieftain of the APC in Imo State sympathetic to Governor Uzodimma’s camp Chief Collins Anyanwu said “the idea, if it is true is dead on arrival”
“They should begin now to look for another political party to realize their second term bid. APC in Imo State is in the firm grip of Governor Uzodimma and those outside his line up, will not get party nominations.
“When Okorocha was Governor, did those who were not in his camp get party nominations?, he asked.
Aside Senator Rochas Okorocha, some of his political footsoldiers holding legislative positions at the House of Representatives include Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo, and Hon. Paschal Obi.
Hon Chike Okafor, a former Commissioner of Finance in Okorocha’s government, had switched allegiance to Governor Hope Uzodimma recently.
Governor Uzodimma had backed Frank Ibezim for Okigwe zone Senate seat, while Okorocha supported Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who eventually lost to Ibezim at the courts.