There are strong indications that some Sole Administrators of local governments in Imo State have secretly purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nomination and Expression of Interest Form for the September 21, 2024 Local Government Election.
According to a group, Imo Development Grassroots (IDG), some SOLADS bought the forms secretly to evade suspicion.
This move has sparked controversy, with some opposing the idea, saying SOLADS should resign from their positions before vying for the office of Executive Chairman.
Another group, Imo for Good Governance, led by Dr. Alexander Chidi Nwachukwu, has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to resist the urge to retain the present SOLADS as elected executive chairmen.
The group alleged that SOLADS have been boasting about being instructed “from above” to pick APC chairmanship forms, claiming that the APC primary will be a formality and the main election a walkover.
Dr. Nwachukwu urged the Governor to provide a level playing ground for all interested persons to participate in the election.
A Chairmanship aspirant, Hon Ferd Ibe, said he is not against the present SOLADS from contesting for the APC primary, but argued that they should resign their positions and join the race.
“This the normal procedure and the proper step to take. Remaining as SOLAD and taking part in the contest is unlawful and confers undue advantage on the Solads in the race for the Chairmanship ticket”
“We are against SOLADS contesting but they should compete in the primary like others in a free and fair exercise.
However , a reliable source in Government circle said Governor Hope Uzodimma is committed to giving Imo State the best local government election ever and is not keen to compromise certain standards.
The Imo State Electoral Commission has fixed September 21, 2024 for the conduct of local government election in the State.