Ahead the primaries of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, palpable fear has gripped allies of the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha over the sudden decision of the National Working Committee, led by Comrade Adam Oshiomole to use the Direct primaries method for the state primaries.
There have been divergent views from the two main factions in Imo APC, namely the Rescue Mission and Coalition, over the method to be adopted for the party primaries.
While the Rescue Mission faction enjoying the backing of governor Rochas Okorocha opted and insisted on Indirect Primaries method after the group met at the IICC, Owerri to adopt the resolution, those of the Coalition, led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, Senator representing Orlu zone met in an Owerri office to adopt the Direct Method of primaries being canvassed by the NWC.
Trumpeta was informed that the issue of method for the primaries had pitched Okorocha against Oshiomole in the APC hierarchy.
However, few days ago, Oshiomole through the party’s spokesman insisted that Imo State APC would be through Direct Method.
The decision of the NWC which was made public via a statement has unsettled the camp of Okorocha in Imo APC factional war ahead the primaries.
Trumpeta learnt that the fear of the Rescue Mission is not unconnected to earlier plans of governor Okorocha to exploit the indirect primaries where statutory delegates, elected delegates and selected party officials would vote for the primaries.
Okorocha it was gathered had perfected plans to use the members of the Imo State House of Assembly who are mostly of APC members in his camp, LGA chairmen and councilors and the party structure he is controlling to gain advantage.
But the Direct primaries method has shattered the plans thereby sending shivers down the spines of the governor’s team seeking for elective positions in 2019. The camp of Okorocha is said to be in confusion trying to fashion out a formula to torpedo the other group. The fear of Rescue Mission is that the NWC who is going the way of Coalition may tilt the Primaries to favour those opposed to the Governor.
