Pre-Primaries Screening: Imo APC Aspirants Keep Watch For List As Party Keeps Mum

Aspirants for State and National Assembly positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State are currently keeping vigil over the release of the approved list of qualified aspirants.

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While National Assembly aspirants were screened in Abuja, the 106 aspirants for the State House of Assembly were screened at the party secretariat in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The spokesperson for the Imo APC, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, said the list was yet to be released but assured that it would be credible.

Onwuasoanya indicated that only aspirants in good standing within their local party wards may be cleared.

In a statement he issued on Wednesday after the party executives hosted some visiting members, Onwuasoanya called on members to put the interest of the party first.

According to him, Chief Alex Mbata, an aspirant for the Imo East (Owerri Zone) ticket, and Chief Success Akagburuonye, who is allegedly eyeing the Douglas House as the next governor, had visited the State party executives on Wednesday, during which assurances were given.

Onwuasoanya said that as the primaries draw closer, the APC calls on members to prioritise the party’s interest by ensuring that only popular and viable aspirants with a good record at their wards, local government, and state levels are voted for to fly the party’s flag in the coming elections.

He said: “As the primary election draws closer, the party encourages all members to prioritise the party’s interest by ensuring that only popular and viable aspirants, who have a good record with the party at their wards, LGAs and state levels, are voted for to fly the party’s flag in the coming elections.”

According to him, the party will ensure credible and transparent primaries. He said: “The All Progressives Congress in Imo State has restated its commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent primary elections that shall satisfy every known dictate of democratic elections anywhere in the world. This reassurance was made by the State Chairman of the party, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, when the State Working Committee played host to Prince Alex Mbata, a renowned philanthropist, entrepreneur and longstanding loyal member of the party, who is among the aspirants for the Imo East Senatorial ticket.

“The foundation of this party is built on fairness, transparency and democratic ideology, and we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding these founding principles. Prince Alex Mbata is a loyal member and one of the biggest supporters of our party in Owerri Zone and the state at large, and we wish him well in his aspiration, even as we urge all aspirants to continue their consultations with the party at the ward, LGA, zonal and state levels.”

“The party also hosted Chief Success Akagburuonye, a prominent leader of the party from Aboh-Mbaise LGA, who came to familiarise himself with the party and encourage the chairman and members of the State Working Committee for their efforts and sacrifices in running the party efficiently. He assured the party of his loyalty and support in whatever way he can.”

“I am proud of the leadership that the party has provided, and I am confident that with this spirit, we shall have a free, fair and credible primary election across the state. I assure the party that I shall make them proud, and the people of Owerri Zone shall be better for it when I am elected to the Senate. I am going there to improve the welfare of the poor, and I promise you that no one will be left behind in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach our people,” the statement added.

A former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ray Emeana, who was part of the entourage, said Mbata was a development- and service-minded person who, even without holding elective office, had invested in community development projects, including road construction and youth empowerment.

Meanwhile, a party stalwart who pleaded anonymity said the list would not be released unless Governor Hope Uzodimma approved it.

According to him, aspirants would have to wait longer as only the governor could approve the list, not the party.

He said the party would not release any list of cleared aspirants until Uzodimma vets and gives the go-ahead.

He further alleged that Uzodimma would only select people who would remain loyal to him even after he leaves office as Governor of Imo State.

However, Onwuasoanya declined to respond to the allegations, insisting that all democratic tenets would be upheld.