Okigwe Senate: Imo APC Turns Battleground, Uzodimma’s Men Jostle For Endorsement

Everest Ezihe

Since news emerged that Governor Hope Uzodimma may back “one of his own” for Okigwe Senate seat, some of his aides and appointees from Okigwe Senatorial zone, are contemplating joining the contest in the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Some of them have however joined the contest but have kept it under wraps as they watch the body language of the Governor as party primary holds in less than two weeks from now.

The All Progressive Congress, APC, in the State, is expected to become a battle ground as surge of aspirants vying for the senatorial ticket of the party are expected to increase in days to come.

This newspaper had reported that there is a cold war in the party, as Governor Uzodimma, is said to be disposed to have one of his own, come out tops as the APC candidate and also eventual winner of the contest.

However political observation have noted that Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi (PDP, Owerri Zone) and Senator Rochas Okorocha (APC, Orlu zone), are not on the same page with Uzodimma, thus the Governor is  keen to have one of his loyalist in the National Assembly as a Senator at all cost.

Many believe that whoever the Governor endorses as candidate of the APC for Okigwe Senate seat looks good to emerge winner of the contest scheduled to hold on October 31 as approved by INEC.

This is said to be some of the reasons why some of  the Governor’s aides are ‘flooding’ into the contest hoping to smile at the end of the day, as they bank on incumbency factor to scale to success.Such incumbency factor came to play three months ago when the APC cruised to victory in re run election for Okigwe South House of Reps seat won by Ms.Miriam Onuoha at the detriment of Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri of PDP whose ambition was short-lived and truncated.

Uzodimma has been speculated not to be disposed to the much talked about ambition of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, who is adjudged a major contender in the race as he just dumped his political party- APGA and joined APC with a national waiver.

Araraume recently received a waiver from the National caretaker committee of the APC, a move which sent shocking waves across the party and within the political camp of the Governor.

The waiver is said to serve as an “ignition” to take part in the party primary which is expected to be a clash of the titans.