Okorocha’s Ambition Puts Imo APC Guber Primaries On Hold

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Nigeria 2015 Election Thursday, December 4th, 2014

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Owerri – The primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC), held across Nigeria on Thursday failed to take place in Imo state because of the ambition of the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha.

The exercise took place in other states of the south east geo political zone, with the exception of Imo which is also the only APC state in the region.

Efforts by African Examiner south- east Correspondent to get any official explanations for the failure of the primary election in the state, hit the rock as at the time of filing this report.

However, a close source at the APC secretariat in Owerri, the Imo state capital, who craved anonymity said the failure of the primaries to hold, may not be unconnected with the involvement of the state governor in the party’s presidential race.

According to him, “Though the committee that will supervise the primary election is already on ground, the primaries may not hold until next week when the fate of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s presidential bid would have been determined.

He said: “As you all know, the governor is eyeing either the presidential or vice presidential ticket of the party. It is too much risk to hold the Imo APC governorship primaries now” the source declared.

“Putting it off is the only way to ensure that the governor does not lose both ways.”

The source also noted that if the governor’s presidential efforts turn out positively, the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere or his Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu may get the mandate to fly the party’s governorship flag in 2015.

But there were conflicting views about the development in the state by APC officials.

In his own reaction, the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr. Emma Oguchienti, said that he was out of town and was not aware of the details of the exercise in the state.

He failed to disclose the venue of the exercise or the number of aspirants for the primaries, rather he tactically, referred newsmen to the party secretariat, where no official was available for comment.