The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State is facing growing scrutiny following its latest press statement assuring aspirants of a free, fair and merit-driven primary process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, on April 21, 2026, the party leadership maintained that there would be no room for “ticket hijack,” stressing that the process would align with democratic principles and directives from the national leadership.
The party said it had received and adopted the “Schedule of Activities and Timetable for the 2027 General Elections” released by the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, noting that the Imo APC is prepared to implement the outlined programmes.
However, some political observers note that the repeated emphasis on loyalty to party leadership may raise concerns about the openness of the process. The party also cautioned that aspirants relying on connections in Abuja to secure tickets would not succeed, urging all contenders to return to their constituencies and canvass support from grassroots members, described as the “ultimate kingmakers.”
The statement further reiterated the party’s leadership structure, urging aspirants to recognise Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the national leader of the party and Hope Uzodimma as the leader in the state. It noted that aspirants would be expected to align with the party’s leadership framework.
According to the party, under the leadership of State Chairman Austin Onyedebelu, every aspirant would be given equal opportunity to participate in the primaries, with assurances of a transparent and inclusive process.
The APC further disclosed that it may adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, depending on the peculiarities of each constituency, in line with the Electoral Act. It maintained that grassroots popularity would remain a key factor in determining candidates.
As the 2027 political season gradually gathers momentum, developments within the Imo APC continue to attract attention, with stakeholders closely observing how the party’s assurances will translate into action.
