…As Araraume, Achonu, 11 others face APC screening today over late Uwajumogu’s seat
By Ezeocha Nzeh
The Imo APC supremacy battle between Governor Hope Uzodimma and his predecessor and now Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha has relocated to the party’s ticket for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared vacant sit of Imo North Senatorial district, following the death of late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu
INEC had fixed October 31date for the conduct of six senatorial bye elections, including Imo North Senatorial district, hence the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commenced sale nomination forms for the election
The AUTHORITY checks at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja revealed that about 13 aspirants have indicated interest for o e Senatorial seat.
Prominent among the contenders are former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who was granted waiver to contest the election upon his return to the APC on January and Senator Athan Achonu, both have represented he district at one time
Others who bought forms for the ticket included Chief John Onyegbule, Hon. Mathew Omeghara, Hon. Bright Nwachukwu Hon. Chikwem Onuoha, Rt. Hon Acho Ihim, Hon. Mark Uchendu, Chief Eze Okoro, Prof Osy Nwebo, Adanne Chidinma Uwajumogu, and Chiemela Joe-Obi
The AUTHORITY gathered that while former Governor Okorocha may have thrown his weight behind Ifeanyi Araraume, Governor Uzodimma has been working behind closed doors to frustrate Araraume’s candidature.
Sources close to the Governor told The AUTHORITY that Uzodimma would prefer another candidate to pick the ticket ahead of the former Senator, because he is afraid of the Okorocha, Araraume combination at the Senate.
According to our source, “He views the two as major opposition his administration is currently facing in Imo APC, hence he fears their combination at the Senate would pose more trouble for him.”
But the governor had while address get former Okorocha allies who came to pledge loyalty to him on Monday, denied having interest o any of the 13 aspirants.
“On the Imo North Senatorial Districts bye election, I want assure all of you that I have no preference candidate among the 13 aspirants. If I am opportuned to vote of the day of primary, I can only vote one person like other delegates, and that is the joy of democracy” he told the APC stakeholders
Meanwhile, the APC National Secretariat has listed a seven man panel, headed Dr Lawrence Chuks, with Uduakobong Oklahoma as Secretary, to screen the 13 aspirants
According to the Party’s schedule of activities for the legislative by-elections, Screening of Aspirants: Wednesday August 26th, 2020 – Thursday August 27th, 2020, while the primary would hold of September 3, 2020.
