BY IFEANYI IGWE
The contest for Owerri and Orlu senatorial seats in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State, is expected to be tough and intense, as political gladiators in the party, step out to vie for the party’s senatorial tickets in the two zones ahead of the 2023 general elections.
With eight months to the party’s Primary, more aspirants are expected to join the fray, but at the moment, the caliber of aspirants in Orlu and Owerri zones already eying the senatorial ticket of the party signals a titanic contest ahead.
In Orlu zone, it appears thus far, a straight battle between former member of the House of Representatives, grassroots politician and industrialist, Hon.ThankGod Ezeani, who is firing his aspiration on all cylinders to show early signs that he is poised to clinch the party’s senatorial ticket.
Ezeani is also said to be a major contender considering the pace he is moving with his ambition.
Hon Jones Onyerirri, a seasoned politician, a former member of the House of Representatives, is very much in the race, having lost his first attempt to be Senator in 2019 when he was candidate of the PDP for Orlu zone senate.
He lost the race to then governor of Imo State and candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Rochas Okorocha, though in controversial circumstances.
A three time member of the House of Representatives, Hon Jerry Alagbaso, is also speculated to be interested in the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the PDP.
However, there has been no independent confirmation of the lawmaker’s senatorial ambition.
In Owerri zone, the PDP will be at cross roads, as Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi and former Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Hon Uche Onyeagocha, take the stage in what appears to be a titanic contest for the party’s senatorial ticket for the zone.
Onyewuchi, a two time member of the House of Representatives, is expected to seek for a second term in the senate.
Onyeagocha, an activist cum politician, also a former member of the House of Representatives, is expected to put up a ferocious challenge for the party’s ticket.
Though more aspirants are expected to join the contest in the party, party chieftains contend that the party has a herculean task to put up quality candidates for the senatorial contests by holding free, fair and credible primary.
A chieftain of the party and ex Councillor, Hon Geb Okwu from Amandugba in Isu LGA, said the party must hold credible Primaries for all elective positions ahead of 2023
“Anything short of a credible primary, devoid of manipulation by overzealous party leaders will spell doom for the party” Okwu stated.
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