It was confusion galore in many parts of Okigwe zone, Imo State, on Thursday, when the All Progressive Congress, APC, held its congress to select a flagbearer for the rescheduled Senatorial contest.
Signs that it would be a disorganized affair emerged when discordant tunes heralded events as warring factions battled for the soul of the party.
Our correspondents who monitored proceedings noted that it was a confused state as presence of the primary election organizers was not felt in any part of the six LGAs that make up the zones of the senatorial district.
In some parts of the LGA, Trumpeta also observed what appeared like mock exercise with people qued up to be counted though no official was noticed.
However, this newspaper gathered that a high powered political intrigues associated with all manners of scheming and horse trading went on to determine who takes the slot.
Trumpeta reliably learnt that the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Minister, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba and a business mogul from the zone, Chief Tony Chukwu, perfected arrangements to ensure the ticket was won by a former Commissioner in the State, Hon Frank Ibezim.
It was learnt that, Ibezim became the favourite choice of the major stakeholders in the side of the governor and other major political captains, thereby forcing other contenders except perhaps, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, to step down.
A former Speaker, Rt Hon Acho Ihim, having seen the hand writing on the wall based on the body language of the stakeholders from the zone stepped down to back Ibezim.
Further information has it that another frontline aspirant, Senator Araraume is deeply focused to run the race. After unfounded rumours has it that he is linked allegedly to AA move, the two time Senator said to be enjoying the backing of the factional State Exco led by Dan Nwafor, is looking forward to a real contest for the primaries.
Emerging details before Trumpeta went to press is that the aggrieved aspirants may head to court to seek redress over the manner the exercise was conducted.
