Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Imo State have disagreed over the alleged imposition of chairmanship candidates ahead of the September 21, 2024, local government elections.
One of the areas heavily affected by the controversy is Oguta Council Area, where party members claim that the selection process violates an established zoning arrangement.
The Oguta Unity Forum, a faction of the party led by Chief Kenneth Obi, has voiced concerns that the candidacy of Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, from Oguta North, disrupts the long-standing zoning agreement between Oguta North and South. Obi argued that the current House of Assembly representative is also from Oguta North, making Nnani’s nomination an imbalance in the political power sharing structure.
“We are urging the APC leadership in Imo State to uphold the zoning arrangement, which has been crucial to maintaining peace and fairness in Oguta,” Obi said.
He further emphasized that Governor Hope Uzodimma had previously assured stakeholders that the zoning principles would be respected in selecting candidates for the local government elections.
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Obi explained that the zoning system traditionally alternates the House of Assembly seat and the LGA chairmanship between Oguta North and Oguta South.
This arrangement has ensured harmony in the region for years. However, the current nomination of Nnani has sparked dissatisfaction among Oguta South residents, who feel marginalized by the decision.
The discontent is particularly strong in the Agwa community of Oguta South, which plays a significant role in the state’s economy as a major oil-producing area.
Agwa residents argue that it is their turn to produce the next LGA chairman and claim that denying them this political opportunity would be an injustice.
As the election approaches, party leaders and Governor Uzodimma are under pressure to address the growing concerns.
Many are looking to the governor’s mediation to resolve the issue and ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, with fairness and equity at the forefront.
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