By chijioke hilary
Following the nomination of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, (SAN), as the new Chairman of National Population Commission, NPC, by the Presidency, the race for who replaces him as the head of PDP in the state has begun.
The position of Duruiheoma whose name was forwarded to the Senate and read on Tuesday by, Senate President, David Mark, to replace Chief Festus Odimegwu, who resigned two months ago would be vacant because of his new designation.
Based on the need to fill the vacant position that would be created with the exit of Duruiheoma, stakeholders of the party within Orlu Zone divide have started showing interest for the chairmanship position.
Top on the list of PDP stalwarts said to be angling for the position are the legal officer of the party, Barr C O C Akaolisa and one of the LGA party Chairman, Architect Leonard Munonye. Barr Akaolisa is said to be highly favoured to clinch the position since he is a member of the state executive of the party and State Working Committee.
Others included in the line up are Chief Elvis Agukwe, Chief Bonny Ebili and Hon Martin Ejiogu.
Trumpeta learnt that since there would be no mini-congress to elect a new Chairman, a member of the state executive in the person of Akaolisa is favoured to clinch the position.
Munonye, who is the Ideato North Chapter Chairman of the party, is also favoured to step into the position taking into consideration the former Chairman is from Ideato Clan. Munonye, an influential member of the party from the area also serves as a member of the Contact and Mobilization Committee of the party.
Another Ideato Clan person said to be a potential Chairmanship candidate of Imo PDP is Chief Bonny Ebili. Ebili a seasoned politician is from Ideato South where Duruiheoma hails from and is expected to fill the gap created by his kinsman.
Still under Orlu Zone, a former Commissioner in the State during Ikedi Ohakim era, Chief Elvis Agukwe and Chief Martin Ejiogu are said to be within the searchlight of the party as possible replacements to Duruiheoma. While Agukwe who is from Orlu LGA is enjoying the backing of some powerful forces in the party. Ejiogu who showed interest in the position in 2010 may have his ambition distorted as the state Vice-Chairman for Orlu Zone, hails from his Isu LGA.
As the party receives Duruiheoma’s appointment with joy, caucus meetings and discussions are on going in several quarters to get a new Chairman for the party.
