In a significant development within the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading aspirants from the recent governorship primary have called for the removal of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, from his position as Chairman of the Election Committee.
The aspirants, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere, issued a joint statement on Wednesday. They expressed their concerns ahead of the ordered rerun of the governorship primary scheduled for Thursday.
The aspirants criticised Uzodinma for his failure to adhere to the minimum requirements stipulated by the laws and regulations guiding the election. These requirements are outlined in both the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
They voiced their concerns that the factors leading to Uzodinma's blatant disregard for due process could potentially recur during the election process.
The aspirants stated, “We strongly believe that whatever was responsible for his flagrant disregard for due process and unusual hasty declaration of unconfirmed fictitious results of the primaries outside the designated collation centre may not have abated from his mind, and therefore may be repeated if given the opportunity to play the same role as chairman in the process.
“In the circumstance, we are calling on Mr. President to kindly use his good offices to replace Senator Hope Uzodinma with any other respected member of our great party, as chairman whom the President strongly believes will comply with the law, maintain internal democracy, protect and defend the integrity and goodwill of the President which he has attained over the years that endeared him to both national and international stakeholders.”
This call for change in leadership underscores the aspirants' commitment to upholding the principles of internal democracy and due process within the APC. It also highlights the importance they place on maintaining the integrity and goodwill of the President, both nationally and internationally.