The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is witnessing a frenzy of activities ahead of its primary as chairmanship and councillorship aspirants for the upcoming local government elections scramble for endorsement as party candidates.
Despite assurances by the party leadership that no aspirant would be endorsed, many are still hoping to be “handpicked” as the party’s flag bearer in their respective local governments.
Findings by INNONEWS reveal that most aspirants have besieged party leaders and stakeholders in their domains, seeking to exploit the old norm of selecting candidates rather than a free and fair primary.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has reportedly warned that he will not influence who becomes a chairmanship or councilorship candidate, advising aspirants to connect with their constituents.
“If you want to be a councilor or local government chairman, talk to your people,” the governor reportedly said..
However, aspirants remain skeptical, recalling that during the 2023 general elections in the state, the majority of candidates in Imo APC were handpicked at a round table.
“They were handpicked, and the primaries became mere ratification for those who were selected as candidates,” an aspirant lamented to this newspaper.
However, it was gathered from party stakeholders that they fear imposing candidates could lead to implosion, considering the high number of aspirants vying for the tickets for the chairmanship and councillorship.
The APC in Imo State had charged a whopping N3 and N1 million for chairmanship and councillorship aspirants respectively to secure nomination and expression of interest forms.
Despite the high fees, hundreds of aspirants purchased the forms, and many believe that with the high number of aspirants in the race, any imposition of candidates will spark controversy or lead to implosion.
This newspaper, however, recalls that the state chairman of the party, Mac Donald Ebere, had assured aspirants of a credible primary, saying the party would not endorse anyone.
At his maiden meeting with aspirants held on July 12, 2024, at the State party headquaters, Okigwe road, the party Chairman had emphasized the party’s commitment to a transparent electoral process, stating that the election will be free and fair.
He said the party will not endorse any sole aspirant or candidate, and the election will be left to the decision of the people.