The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has launched a last-minute bid to unite both successful and unsuccessful aspirants ahead of the September 21 Local Government Election.
The party’s leadership has been grappling with threats of court action and mass protests from some aggrieved aspirants who felt marginalized by the consensus method used in selecting candidates.
In a bid to placate the unhappy aspirants, Governor Hope Uzodimma had announced on Sunday that unsuccessful aspirants would receive refunds spent on nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC had charged N1 million and N3 million for Councillorship and Chairmanship aspirants, respectively.
State Party Chairman, Mac Donald Ebere emphasized the need for unity, reassuring unsuccessful aspirants that they would have opportunities in two years time
He emphasized the importance of unity, among party members, advising successful candidates to work closely with unsuccessful aspirants
“You must work hand in hand with the aspirants who didn’t make it through this time. The party is a family affair and our success at the polls depends on how we rally together” Ebere said to party stakeholders at a meeting held in Owerri on Monday.
He urged successful and unsuccessful aspirants to prepare for a mega rally to showcase the party’s unity and strength before the election.
“The rally will demonstrate our resolve to win the election and move Imo State forward under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership,” Ebere stated.
This newspaper observed that Party leaders in various local governments have begun reaching out to aggrieved aspirants, encouraging them to put aside their differences.
In Owerri West LGA, Chairmanship aspirants were brought together for a roundtable meeting spearheaded by some party chieftains.
Sources revealed that in some local governments some aspirants who lost out have started reaching out to successful candidates, following the refund announcement.
It was gathered that the realization that local government chairmen and councillors will serve only two years may have also contributed to ease tensions among those who lost out.
“Why fight when refunds have been made and compensation is possible?” said a party leader, likening government to a cow. “If you don’t get the head, you can get the intestine or heart.”
With unity efforts underway across board the party, the APC in Imo State aims to present a strong front in the upcoming local government polls on Saturday.
The party’s leadership is optimistic that the measures will yield positive results.
“We are confident that our unity will propel us to victory on September 21,” Ebere said.