Despite the issue of zoning formula and Charter of Equity in the Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, only the party has the right and power to confirm who flies the flag of the party in the 2015 Governorship election.
This was disclosed to Press men in Owerri by the chairman of Imo PDP Mobilization Committee, and Governorship Aspirant in the state, Chief Jerry Chukwueke. Stressing that it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor of the state, the business mogul maintained that the Charter of Equity is a local understanding among the three political zones of Imo state, which has been in place since 1998.
Chukwueke however pointed out that even though it is the constitutional right of all Imo citizens to run for the Governorship seat, yet the PDP is the final arbiter on the issue of who represents the party in the election.
He said that from history, an Aspirant who wins the PDP primaries has not automatically won, because the PDP still decides who hoists the party’s ticket, based on various factors which include zone, quality of the candidate to win the election etc.
Chukwueke hinted that it is on record that since 1998, not all those who won the primaries ran for the main election, as PDP puts into consideration variables that are inherent in the party.
“Winning the Primaries is not the sole determinant factor. Zoning is more important because it usually comes to play. Zoning is to curtail the humongous expenditures, and also to give all sections of the state sense of belonging” the Guber Aspirant said.
Chukwueke disclosed that in 2007 he was the consensus candidate from Owerri zone yet other aspirants went ahead to run for the main primaries, despite the memorandum of understanding entered into by all the Aspirants before the exercise at Owerri zonal level.
He hinted that there is no individual tat has the strength to defeat a sitting Governor without the concerted effort of all, including the PDP which will Marshall out her capacity, unity and cooperation of all members, adding that strength of whoever wins the election is the party.
Chukwueke expressed happiness that Imo PDP is today fully mobilized and gingered up, following the effort of his committee that criss-crossed the entire Imo state to “wake-up” the members after the 2011 elections.
He reiterated that what Imo needs now is a baker of the bread, not shearers, and said he has the capacity to pull together the resources of Imo state to move the state to a higher level.
Chukwueke maintained that peace is essential to the development of Imo state, and urged the Imo PDP to adopt the Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia and Ebonyi states model, where the Governorship seat is hinged on zoning for peace, justice and equity of all zones of the state.
