Internal discontent is brewing within the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as numerous protest letters from party stakeholders accuse leadership of imposing candidates and violating established zoning arrangements ahead of the upcoming local government primaries.
One notable case involves the Ohaji Consultative Forum (OCF), which staged a protest at the government house, accusing former federal lawmaker Nana GoodLuck Opiah of attempting to shift the Chairmanship position of Ohaji/Egbema LGA to his Egbema block, despite an agreement that it is now Ohaji’s turn. The group, led by President Victor Kelvin Amadi, insists that Egbema has held the position since 2019 and demands fairness.
Similarly, stakeholders in Nkwere LGA are voicing concerns over equitable distribution of political positions, arguing that the Chairmanship should rotate to Nkwere Block B for fairness, as Block A currently holds the State House of Assembly seat.
Protests are also coming from Oru North, where a group led by Stanley Ozo is challenging the candidacy of former Sole Administrator Willie Okoliegwo, arguing it’s their turn for leadership. Another controversy has emerged in Mbaitoli LGA, where the Apex Leader of APC, Marcellinus Nlemigbo, is accused of trying to secure the Chairmanship for his political block, Mbieri.
In Njaba LGA, the Amucha Consultative Forum (ACF) has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma, highlighting that Amucha is the only community out of five that has never held a political position in the Local Council, urging for inclusivity.
Reacting to these complaints, the State Organizing Secretary of APC, Ikechukwu Umeh, assured that the party is considering all grievances but cautioned that some protests might be politically motivated by non-genuine party members.
Political analyst Chima Isiguzo warned that the party risks deeper internal crises if these concerns are not addressed, especially given the financial sacrifices made by those purchasing nomination forms.
