The All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State, may adopt a consensus approach to elect a State Chairman and other members of the State Executive, as the party kicks off Congresses nationwide on July 31.
The party, says it is going ahead with the planned Congresses after the Supreme Court faulted the leadership of the party headed by Mai Mala Buni, who doubles as Governor of Yobe State and Chairman, Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Commitee CECPC of the APC.
The race for chairmanship of the party in Imo State has been subtle, with most of those interested in the seat, operating on a low key and rather choose to deploy “mutual consultations”, as a tool to clinch the number one job of the ruling party in Imo State.
However, some top chieftains of the party, interested in the contest, from Owerri and Okigwe zones, are lobbying those that matter within government and party circles to drum support in their quest to emerge Chairman of the party.
However, while congresses to elect party executives at the ward and LGA levels, will allow party members to elect party officials of their choice, the Chairmanship seat will be a different kettle of fish.
Sources told this newspaper that some aspirants have emerged from the two zones, but it was gathered that the next Chairman will come from Owerri zone through a consensus approach.
Another source told this newspaper that the State Caretaker Commitee of the party led by Marcellinus Nlemigbo, may also return as unopposed, as there are feelers that Nlemigbo intends staying put as the state party Chair, after leading the party in interim capacity for a long time.
But another source argued that such scenario may change at the last minute, as nothing is certain yet that Nlemigbo may have a smooth sail to return as Chairman unopposed.
Governor Hope Uzodimma is said to be pivotal to whoever eventually becomes Chairman of the party in the State. Checks reveal that he is keeping close to his chest, whoever he wants to take charge of the party.
Recall that the APC Convention and Extraordinary Convention Planning Commitee, CECPC Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, had last week, announced that the party would adopt a consensus approach to adopt a sellable and agreeable presidential candidate for the party in 2023.