Imo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the upcoming council elections are engulfed in controversy, as accusations of candidate imposition continue to ignite tensions across the state. Scheduled for September 21, 2024, the elections have already seen several council areas erupt in protests against perceived unfair practices in candidate selection.
The Oguta Council Area is at the forefront of the uproar, with local stakeholders expressing their dissatisfaction over the nomination of Ifeanyi Nnani as the chairmanship candidate. According to Chief Kenneth Obi, spokesperson for the Oguta Unity Forum, the choice of Nnani, who hails from Oguta North, breaches the long-standing zoning arrangement that stipulates a rotation of key positions between the North and South of Oguta. This arrangement is meant to ensure equitable representation and maintain harmony within the council area.
Obi criticized the APC’s decision, claiming it undermines the assurances given by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma regarding the importance of adhering to zoning principles. Historically, Oguta’s zoning system ensures that the chairmanship position alternates between the North and South, a practice seen as essential for regional balance and peace.
The controversy also highlights the economic significance of the Agwa community in Oguta South, which hosts two major oil companies and contributes significantly to the state’s economy. Local leaders argue that denying Agwa the chairmanship could lead to further unrest and feelings of marginalization among the community.
In response to the escalating situation, MacDonald Ebere, Chairman of the Imo APC, has dismissed the current list of candidates circulating on social media as fraudulent. Through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Julian Chijioke, Ebere urged the public to disregard unauthorized information and await an official announcement from the party’s leadership.
“Please ignore any unverified lists circulating online. Authentic updates regarding the APC Chairmanship and Councillorship primaries will be communicated through official channels only,” the statement emphasized.
