…. _APC Stakeholders Gather to Strategize Ahead of September Polls_

…. _Imo APC Chairman reads Governor Uzodimma’s Pre-election Riot Act to Stakeholders_

Date:02-07-2024

The Governor of Imo State and the principal leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dist. Sen Hope Uzodimma, convened a crucial stakeholders meeting today at the Party’s State Secretariat. Represented by the State’s Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD, the Governor outlined comprehensive plans and strategies for the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024. Imo APC Chairman, Hon. MacDonald Ebere, PhD, received the leaders at the Secretariat, where he was tasked with presenting the Governor’s election guidelines and addressing the assembled party members.

In his welcome address, Hon. Ebere expressed gratitude to the leaders who traveled from the various parts of the state and country to attend the meeting. He promptly moved to the core agenda, unveiling a copy of the party’s election guidelines for the nomination of candidates for the 2024 Chairmanship and Councillorship elections. These guidelines, produced by the APC and endorsed by Governor Uzodimma, were presented to the attendees.

Reading the Governor’s message, Hon. Ebere emphasized the importance of a seamless election process across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Governor Hope praised the stakeholders for their crucial role in his re-election, a historic achievement in the region. The Governor called for unity and dedication to ensure the success of the upcoming Local Government elections, urging party members to avoid any disruption of the entire pre and post election process.

Juxtaposing the Governor’s message and his personal submission, Hon. Ebere stressed the need for party leaders to avoid internal conflicts and focus on supporting the Governor’s second term. He warned against using succession issues to distract the Governor’s Second term responsibilities, stating that the party would take decisive action against such attempts. To reinforce this commitment, a vote was conducted, with State Legislature members and the leadership of the party supporting the motion to disregard any unauthorized succession meetings.

Hon. Ebere further detailed the election timeline: the sale of Chairmanship and Councillorship forms will occur from July 5 to July 10, 2024. Aspirants must return their forms between July 11 and 12, followed by sorting on July 13 and screening in the subsequent days. Direct Primaries for APC aspirants will be held on July 20, 2024, across all 27 LGAs. He noted that these dates could change based on decisions from the party’s Apex Leadership but assured adherence to ISIEC guidelines.

A stern warning was issued regarding any claims of favored candidates. Hon. Ebere emphasized that no aspirant should claim endorsement from the Governor or any top party member, with strict penalties for violators. He also reminded potential candidates in public service to resign 30 days before the election, with no exceptions.

Party leaders who addressed the gathering expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s decision to hold Local Government elections.

In her remarks, Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD also underscored the importance of unity within the party. She urged all members to rally behind the Governor Uzodimma’s initiatives and work collectively towards a successful election. Emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness, she assured the stakeholders that the administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a credible and peaceful election process.

Lady Ekomaru called on party leaders to mobilize their constituents and educate them on the electoral process, thereby fostering greater participation and inclusiveness

The meeting saw the attendance of top government officials, State Legislature and National Assembly members, and party leaders from various levels, underscoring the importance of the upcoming elections for the APC in Imo State.

#JULIAN_CHIJIOKE