…Party chieftains in confusion, angry with mastermind
There is high-wire tension in Imo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged “Telephone Screening” of an aspirant for the September 21st LGA polls who is based abroad named Obi Njoku Jnr whose expression of interest and nomination forms were handed over to his younger brother.
National Newsblast Newspaper investigative politics reporter authoritatively gathered yesterday that although the foreign-based aspirant is reportedly reluctant to contest, a chieftain of the party who is a member of Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF), masterminded his conscription into the contest, a situation that led to the alleged screening of the aspirant via telephone after the official conclusion of screening exercise as prescribed by election guidelines.
It was further gathered that the development sparked outrage among chieftains of the party in the local government area who are confused and angry with the mastermind of the scheme.
The screening exercise was supposed to pave way for primary election this Saturday August 10th, 2024, now threatened by looming postponement.
Observers say that the party Appeal Panel Committee members do not appear to be living up to the level of circumspection expected from them.
It was also gathered that the people of Ikeduru are querying the rationale behind the desperation to inject new aspirants into an already concluded screening exercise. Still on desperation to impose his family servant as the Ikeduru Local Government Council Chairman, it was also gathered that he made a well confronted effort to buy forms for two persons in the area. A syndrom of “do or die affairs” that negates the fatherly instructions by the Governor and the unambiguous party election principles. Feelers at press time, relates that the Sole Administrator for the area, has also been allegedly prepared for the same council election. But when contact, he, the SOLAD, stated that the Governor has not given him such opportunity. That he is still a SOLAD and cannot be a judge in his own case.
Seauel to this development, party faithfuls are optimistic that the state party chairman, Hon. MacDonald Ebere is an epitom of justice and equity, who will not wish to welcome any act of preferential treatment, forms or screaning conducted outside the time table and guidelines.
As at press time, the aspirant embroiled in the controversy that threatens the party, was still residing abroad.