In the next 24 hours, a clearer picture of the intrigues rocking the struggle for the control of the structure of the All Progressive Congress in Imo will be unveiled as the State Congress to elect party officials holds.
Smarting from controversies emanating the ward and LGA congresses, a denouement of on- going drama in the state chapter of the party shall be witnessed on Saturday.
A group of politicians in the state aggrieved by the manner the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is running affairs of the state and the party seized the opportunity of the congress to give him devastating blows. The first was the ward Congress where he insists no Congress was held before that of the LGA the governor out of frustration asked his followers to boycott.
Having succeeded at ensuring that two Congresses at both levels were upheld and a go ahead for the state congress given a green light, a complete rout of what has remained of governor is being planned before the National Convention slated for sometime in June this year.
Aside from the grand design to knock Okorocha of the track in the race for the control of the party executives from the ward, LGA to State levels, each of the combatants on the side of the coalition known as Allied Forces are also said to have entered the war trenches to ensure the final list of Excos from the wards to the LGAs and those of delegates favour them.
Trumpeta learnt that as at Thursday, a clearer picture of authentic lists of ward and LGAs Excos including those of delegates have not been made public. It was however gathered that even as the Allied Forces joined strength to fight Okorocha to a stand till since the state Congresses started two weeks ago, issue of who gets what remains sacrosanct among them.
Even as latest report has it that Okorocha is unyielding to lose out completely to the Allied Forces as he pulls all strings within reach to relaunched a comeback to the mainstream, information has it that the process of sharing is causing minor friction in the camp of the coalition.
The Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, who has dumped Okorocha to join the Allied Forces alongside some of his sympathizers like the party chairman, Hilary Eke, state organizing secretary, Chief Omeremba and others are asking for a fair share of the party structure which will lead to the return of the embattled State party chairman those loyal to Okorocha has announced that he has been sanctioned.
Madumere is expected to get a chunk of the party structure considering his position and role so far in the battle against Okorocha. Also his allies in Mbaitoli and Ikeduru also got their positions back suggesting that he is a strong factor to be considered in the sharing formula.
Another strong factor that stand to be counted is Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. The strongman of Imo politics who appears to be giving Okorocha nightmares is said to be in charge of the six LGAs of Okigwe and parts of Owerri and Orlu zone LGAs where his campaign managers have strongholds. The chances of the two time Senator of Okigwe zone picking more chances in producing Exco members is said to be blossomed considering his partnership and understanding with Senator Uwajumogu. As the Okigwe zone Senator is eyeing a return to the Senate and acts as the Congress Committee Secretary, pocketing the structure alongside Araraume is a fait accompli.
A key figure in the Allied Forces that will have the list on his side is Izunaso who is the National Organising Secretary. As an insider, Izunaso must be in the know of the final list which of course will be to his favour. There are fears that Majority chances of Orlu zone will be his making.
A critical stakeholder who will not be left out in the sharing of the party structure is Chief Jude Ejiogu. Said to be a smooth operator who is enjoying a level of support, the former Secretary to the State Government shall be considered as part of Owerri Zone, especially Owerri federal constituency can be ceded to him.
Others who are vital in the scheme of things are Jasper Azuatalam of Owerri West. A BOT member and Executive Director of a federal agency. Dr TOE Ekechi, a former commissioner to Okorocha on Information who is from Ngor Okpala and Orlu born Ichie Best Mbanaso.
Meanwhile, while the Allied Forces are working out the sharing formula, the unrelenting Okorocha is reported to be putting finishing surprises to spring a surprise before the State Congress.
Apart from using his contact to permeate the NWC of the party to allow his list sail through, Okorocha is alleged to be deploying several unknown tactics to pull the rug off the legs of the Allied Forces. On Thursday, a group of protesters in favour of him appeared at the Secretariat to drum support for him as well ask for the removal of Izunaso. It was learnt that the Imo State governor is pressing all buttons to ensure his wish comes to reality
