Imo APC Congress: Senator Okorocha, Loyalists Boycott Exercise

By Sampson Uhuegbu, Owerri

The All Progressives Congress nationwide exercise that took place today, Saturday; October 16, 2021, was also conducted in Imo, as former Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Ex Deputy Governor; Eze Madumere and other members of Daniel Nwafor- led group boycotted the Congress.

The excercise which held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square, formely called Heroes square, had in attendance Governor Hope Uzodimma, APC State House of Assembly members, Local Governments Interim Management Committee Chairmen and the Members , among others.

Meanwhile, some House of Representatives members that are Senator Rochas Okorocha’s loyalists- Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozoruigbo (Ozb), The Member representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West; Hon. Kingsley Uju and others were not at the venue.

However, The General Manager, Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO); Hon. McDonald Ebere,who is an in-law to Governor Hope Uzodimma, emerged winner as the State ruling party Chairman.

In his acceptance speech, the newly-elected State APC Chairman; McDonald Ebere, thanked Governor Uzodimma for believing in him and his members to serve in the capacity.

“I will be a Chairman for everyone. I will be a servant to all and every member of the party. I promise that there would be no segregation and assured that together they shall achieve greater heights,” he assured.

The Governor said that the APC members have demonstrated their faithfulness for the party and Congratulatated the newly-elected members.

“I will give you all the necessary support you deserve. I want to commit you onto the hands of God for his guidance and direction.”

Earlier, there were no known contestants for the position of State Chairman of the party, a week before the congress.

Marcelllinus Nlemigbo, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC was suspected to be the sole contestant as reports said he was eyed to return as State Chairman of the party.

There were widespread speculations that other members of the caretaker committee may also become the state executives of the party.

The APC had pegged the purchase of forms for the Chairmanship position at N100,000. It was unclear how many interested persons bought the forms. No one had informed the media of his or her intention to vie for the Chairmanship position of the party, fueling speculations that Governor Uzodimma will be the ultimate decider on who becomes the Chairman of the party in the State.

It would be recalled, that Nlemigbo was appointed caretaker committee Chairman of the APC in Imo State by the outgone National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole before the 2019 governorship election.

The ward and LGA Congress held in the State were dominated by loyalists of Governor Uzodimma, which edged out followers of former Governor of the State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who had boycotted both congress. Okorocha claims that a court order affirms his ally, Dan Nwafor as State Chairman of the party in the state.

The State Congress is expected to hold at the Heros Square, newly renamed Ndubuisi Kanu Square by Governor Uzodimma, in honour of the former military governor of old Imo State who passed on recently.