The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will soon announce the mode of primaries it intends to adopt ahead of the 2027 elections, while maintaining that it will fully comply with directives from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Party spokesperson in the state, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, confirmed the development in an interview, stressing that the Imo APC remains united and committed to whatever decision is reached at the national level.
According to him, the state chapter will only make recommendations on the preferred method of primaries, but the final authority rests with the APC National Working Committee.
“The state chapter will make its recommendation as to the mode of primaries it wishes to adopt, but the final decision lies with the National Working Committee of the party. The Imo State chapter shall abide by any decision reached by the NWC,” he said.
Onwuasoanya also addressed speculation over internal contestation, insisting that there is strong alignment within the party structure in Imo State.
He claimed that Governor Hope Uzodimma has effectively emerged as the consensus candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District, should he agree to run.
“In Imo West Senatorial District, the party is unapologetic about its adoption of Senator Hope Uzodimma as the sole aspirant… party members are unanimous about their desire for him to be elected to the Senate,” he stated.
He added that party members across the state are largely in support of consensus arrangements, describing the APC in Imo as “one big, happy and united family.”
According to him, more than 150 aspirants have already purchased nomination forms across senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly positions, signalling strong internal participation in the process.
Onwuasoanya noted that while no final decision has been made on the mode of primaries, a significant number of aspirants are open to consensus-based selection.
“Generally, the Imo State APC is one big, happy and united family. The consensus option is gaining wide acceptance… about 98 per cent of aspirants are open to it,” he said.
He added that governorship primaries are not part of the current cycle in the state, as the party focuses on legislative contests.
Meanwhile, political dynamics within the state are already drawing attention, particularly in the Imo North senatorial district, where Senator Ifeanyi Araraume’s entry into the race is being seen as a major development.
Araraume, a long-standing political figure in the Okigwe zone, is considered a strong contender with deep political influence and significant backing within and outside the state.
Political observers also note that former Governor Rochas Okorocha may face limitations in securing party tickets under the current power structure, though he is expected to remain politically active.
Analysts suggest that while consensus arrangements may reduce internal conflict, emerging rivalries and zoning tensions could still shape the final outcome of APC’s primaries in Imo State.
