107 APC aspirants screened, set to battle over 27 Imo Assembly tickets
— List of cleared aspirants expected today
Political activities have intensified across the 27 state constituencies in Imo State following the successful screening and clearance of aspirants seeking the tickets of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.
No fewer than 107 aspirants are currently in the race for the party’s tickets for the 27 seats in the Imo State House of Assembly, setting the stage for what party faithful and political observers have described as one of the fiercest internal contests within the ruling party in recent times.
Sources within the APC disclosed that the screening exercise ended smoothly, with most aspirants successfully cleared to participate in the primaries expected to commence in line with the timetable released by the party’s national leadership.
The party is also expected to officially release the comprehensive list of cleared aspirants today, according to sources close to the party, a development already generating heightened political interest across the state.
Across various local government areas and wards, aspirants have stepped up consultations, grassroots mobilization and strategic engagements with party stakeholders ahead of the primaries.
Political posters, meetings, endorsements and alignments have continued to dominate the political atmosphere in many communities as aspirants intensify efforts to secure the support of delegates and influential party leaders.
The development comes amid growing political tension within the APC following recent controversies surrounding zoning discussions, political meetings and speculations over possible consensus arrangements in some constituencies.
The party leadership in the state had earlier issued restrictions on unauthorized political gatherings ahead of the primaries, a move that triggered criticism and protests from several aspirants and supporters.
However, after widespread backlash, the party later reviewed its position and clarified that aspirants and stakeholders remained free to engage party members and continue consultations ahead of the primaries.
Political analysts believe the large number of aspirants reflects both the increasing attractiveness of the APC platform in Imo State and the fierce struggle for political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations reveal that while some constituencies have relatively calm contests, others are witnessing intense political battles involving incumbent lawmakers, former political appointees, business figures, grassroots mobilizers and new entrants seeking to alter existing political structures.
In several constituencies, more than five aspirants are reportedly battling for a single ticket, raising concerns over how the party intends to manage the emerging internal rivalries.
Sources within the APC further hinted that although preparations are ongoing for direct or indirect primaries, there are growing speculations that the party may adopt consensus arrangements in some constituencies as part of efforts to reduce internal friction and avoid costly primary elections.
The possibility of consensus primaries, however, has continued to generate mixed reactions among aspirants and party supporters.
While some stakeholders believe consensus arrangements could help preserve party unity and reduce post-primary litigations, others fear the move may trigger allegations of imposition, discontent and possible defections if not transparently handled.
Analysts argue that consensus primaries, when properly negotiated and voluntarily accepted by aspirants, could strengthen the APC ahead of the general elections by reducing bitterness and conserving financial resources.
According to political observers, consensus arrangements may particularly benefit constituencies where powerful political blocs are competing for control, as it could help prevent divisions capable of weakening the party’s electoral chances.
There are also indications that some influential party leaders may be considering consensus as a strategy to protect incumbent lawmakers viewed as loyal to the party leadership and the state government.
However, another school of thought insists that any attempt to impose candidates without broad consultation could provoke resistance from aggrieved aspirants who have already invested heavily in consultations and grassroots mobilization.
Some political analysts warned that forcing unpopular candidates on party members could trigger anti-party activities, legal disputes and internal rebellion capable of affecting the APC during the main election.
“There is already tension in some constituencies because many aspirants believe they are popular enough to test their strength during the primaries,” a party source in Owerri disclosed.
“If the process is not seen as transparent and fair, some people may feel cheated, and that could create problems for the party ahead of the general election.”
Observers also fear that any controversial consensus arrangement could reopen debates over zoning, political balancing and local power sharing in several constituencies where competing blocs are already laying claim to the APC ticket.
Meanwhile, subtle lobbying and behind-the-scenes negotiations are said to have intensified among political leaders and interest groups as aspirants seek endorsements from influential stakeholders within the APC structure in the state.
Despite the growing anxiety and political calculations, many party loyalists remain optimistic that the APC leadership will conduct a transparent and credible process capable of producing strong candidates for the 2027 elections.
For now, the cleared aspirants continue to await the official commencement of the primaries as political consultations, alignments and strategic negotiations gather momentum daily across Imo State.
