APC in Imo declares Uzodimma consensus candidate for Senate

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will soon announce its preferred mode of primaries ahead of the next electoral cycle, while maintaining that it remains firmly bound by whatever decision is ultimately taken by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Speaking to Journalists, the party’s spokesperson in the state, Dr. Jones Onwuasoanya, said the Imo APC remains united and will operate strictly within the framework set by the national leadership.

According to him, the state chapter may make recommendations on the method of primaries it prefers, but final approval rests solely with the NWC.

“The state chapter will make its recommendation as to the mode of primaries it wishes to adopt, but the final decision lies with the National Working Committee of the party. The Imo State chapter of the party shall abide by any decision reached by the NWC,” he said.

On speculation about possible internal disagreements over the primaries, Onwuasoanya dismissed such concerns, insisting that the issue of contest in Imo West Senatorial District has effectively been settled through consensus politics.

He declared that Governor Hope Uzodimma remains the preferred candidate for the senatorial seat, should he decide to run.

“In Imo West Senatorial District, the party is unapologetic about its adoption of Senator Hope Uzodimma as the sole aspirant, if he accepts the call by party members from the district and across Imo State and beyond to step forward and vie for the senatorial election,” he said.

He added that the governor’s performance in office has earned him overwhelming support within the party, arguing that any attempt to subject him to a competitive primary would be unnecessary.

“The governor has done well and I can tell you that trying to subject him to any form of contest would be a waste of useful time because party members are unanimous about their desire for him to be elected to the Senate,” he said.

Onwukaasoanya further described the Imo APC as “one big, happy and united family,” stressing that consensus remains the dominant preference among aspirants across various positions.

He disclosed that over 150 aspirants have already purchased nomination forms for positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the Senate and House of Representatives.

“Generally, the Imo State APC is one big, happy and united family. The consensus option is gaining wide acceptance and I can tell you that 98 per cent of the aspirants who have purchased forms are open to the consensus option and ready to accept any outcome agreed by the party leadership,” he said.

He added that while governorship primaries are not on the agenda in the current cycle, contests across other legislative seats are already generating significant political interest.

“No option has been adopted yet, but I can assure you that the party has recorded an impressive turnout of aspirants, with over 150 people having purchased nomination forms across various positions and constituencies,” he said.

Despite the party’s assurances of unity, political dynamics in the state continue to attract attention, particularly in the Imo North senatorial district, where emerging alignments are shaping up ahead of the primaries.

Political observers say the entry of influential figures such as Senator Ifeanyi Araraume could reshape the contest, given his longstanding influence and access to national political networks.

There are also expectations that former Governor Rochas Okorocha may not secure the party’s ticket under the emerging consensus arrangement, though he is still expected to remain active within the state’s political negotiations.

Analysts further note that longstanding zoning and rotation arrangements in some constituencies could come under pressure as parties recalibrate their strategies ahead of 2027, potentially altering established political balances in Imo State.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!