By Peter Okolie
Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Thursday, urged APC stakeholders and aspirants in the state to prioritise unity, sacrifice, loyalty, and fairness as the party heads for its primaries.
Uzodimma spoke at a meeting with party leaders as well as state and National Assembly aspirants at the Government House, Owerri, on Thursday.
He acknowledged the tension that often pervades the election season but emphasised that the collective interest of the party “superseds personal ambition”.
“Power does not come easy. Politics is not lottery.
“You either win or lose, and you must have the courage to understand the business you are involved in.
“There is need for obedience and loyalty to the party before, during and after primaries.
“That is consistency, which is what our partisan democracy requires,” the governor said.
According to him, the APC national leadership has introduced certain mechanisms that may subtly favour some aspirants.
He said the party is supreme, but there were local factors that would be considered to ensure justice and equity during the primaries.
The governor also defended his support for the “Charter of Equity” principle, which emphasises a power-sharing agreement to ensure political balance in the state.
He assured them that party primaries would be transparent and credible.
He disclosed that nine aspirants were jostling for the party’s three senatorial tickets, while 60 aspirants were vying for tickets for only nine House of Representatives positions.
He further disclosed that 108 aspirants purchased forms to contest for the 27 state constituency seats.
“With this number of applicants, I don’t see how we can guarantee consensus.
“For the House of Assembly primaries, we will adopt option A4, where aspirants would openly test their popularity before party members.
“No one should think that because he bought a form, Hope Uzodimma will automatically decree him the candidate,” he said.
He said that his only concern remained the stability, progress and continued development of the state.
“We have worked hard, prayed, and sacrificed to bring Imo to this level.
“We do not want this state to go backwards again,” he said.
Earlier, the state party Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, commended Uzodimma for his visionary leadership and commitment towards strengthening the party’s structure in the state.
Onyedebelu disclosed that the party office, located at 47 Okigwe Road, Owerri, had been renovated and equipped with modern facilities to create a more conducive environment for the party’s activities.
He also thanked the governor for approving the construction of a modern APC secretariat in the state, describing it as a “lasting political legacy”.
He said that, in spite the disagreements that often follow primary elections, the party had already activated reconciliatory mechanisms aimed at promoting peace, unity, and harmony among members.
“Our administration operates an open-door policy.
“The APC office at 47 Okigwe Road belongs to every stakeholder in the state and not just the State Working Committee,” the chairman said.
Others, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, including Sen. Osita Izunaso, Rep. Miriam Onuorah, and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Amara Iwuanyawu, applauded Uzodimma’s sterling performance.
They lauded the governor’s leadership quality and pledged their support for the party leadership, promising to abide by the party’s decision during and after the primaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OPC/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
