A fresh internal battle appears imminent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, following a strong warning by party executives against aspirants perceived to be disconnected from the grassroots but relying on influence from Abuja to secure party tickets.
The development, which signals a potential clash ahead of the party’s primaries, is contained in a press statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, on May 5, 2026. The statement emphasised that party nominations would not be determined in the nation’s capital but at the grassroots level across wards and local government areas.
Titled *“Diaspora Aspirants Should Return Home and Identify with the Party and the People,”* the statement appears to be a direct response to the growing number of aspirants who, according to the party, have little or no visible connection with party structures in the state but have gone ahead to purchase nomination forms.
The Imo APC leadership expressed concern over what it described as the activities of “individuals who claim to be members” of the party but are rarely seen participating in ward, LGA, or state-level engagements. The statement warned that such aspirants, many of whom are allegedly operating from Abuja, would face stiff resistance from party executives determined to uphold internal democracy and grassroots participation.
“The right to become a candidate of our party is strictly reserved for active, supportive and identifiable members,” the statement stressed, underlining the importance of consistent involvement in party affairs, including payment of dues and participation in activities.
This position has effectively drawn a battle line between the party’s grassroots machinery and a category of aspirants often labelled within political circles as “Abuja politicians” — individuals believed to rely more on elite connections than local support.
The party further frowned at what it described as “fraudulent name-dropping,” warning aspirants against falsely claiming endorsement from the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
According to the statement, President Tinubu remains a firm believer in democratic principles and has consistently opposed imposition of candidates. The party cautioned that dragging his name into local political manoeuvres undermines his long-standing reputation as an advocate of people-driven leadership.
Similarly, Governor Uzodimma was described as a leader committed to due process, rule of law, and transparent political procedures. The APC noted that the governor has not endorsed any aspirant and has instead directed that all qualified contestants be given a level playing field.
“The governor has instructed the party to ensure that every qualified contestant is afforded a free playing field,” the statement read, adding that candidates would emerge either through direct primaries or consensus, in line with party guidelines.
However, despite these assurances, the development is already generating political interpretations across the state. Many Imo stakeholders and party watchers believe the directive is subtly targeted at aspirants perceived to be outside the governor’s political camp. According to this view, the renewed emphasis on grassroots validation may serve as a strategic tool to outsmart and weaken contenders who are not aligned with Hope Uzodimma, particularly those seen as relying on federal connections rather than local structures.
This perception is gaining traction within political circles, where some argue that the “Abuja politicians” label could become a convenient tag to sideline opponents ahead of the primaries.
If the party executives eventually enforce this position strictly, political observers warn that some prominent figures within the APC could be edged out of the contest. Names frequently mentioned in these discussions include Ifeanyi Araraume and Rochas Okorocha, both of whom are influential stakeholders in Imo politics with strong national networks.
Analysts note that while these figures remain top members of the party with established political structures, the new emphasis on visible grassroots engagement and continuous party participation could pose a significant hurdle—especially if interpreted narrowly by local party executives. In such a scenario, long-standing political heavyweights who are perceived, rightly or wrongly, as operating more from Abuja than within ward structures may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Beyond individuals, the implication is broader: the unfolding strategy could reshape the balance of power within the Imo APC, shifting influence away from nationally connected elites to locally entrenched party operators. Ward and LGA executives, who control much of the delegate structure, may become decisive arbiters of who emerges as candidate.
Others, however, argue that the move is a necessary corrective measure aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that only candidates with genuine grassroots appeal represent the party.
Observers say this emerging divide could redefine the dynamics of the upcoming primaries, especially as aspirants intensify consultations and mobilisation efforts both within and outside the state.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional and legal frameworks guiding the electoral process, including the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and APC’s internal guidelines. It stressed that these rules would be applied without bias.
Beyond the immediate implications for aspirants, the statement also called for unity within party ranks, urging members to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition. It reminded aspirants that only one candidate would eventually emerge per constituency and that others would be expected to support the party’s flag bearer.
“Anyone who wishes to fly the party’s flag must return home and canvass support among party members,” the statement added, reinforcing the message that popularity and acceptability at the grassroots remain the ultimate determinants of success.
The tone and timing of the statement suggest a deliberate effort by the Imo APC leadership to reassert control over the nomination process and curb what it perceives as undue external influence. However, it also sets the stage for a potentially fierce contest between entrenched local political actors and aspirants banking on national connections.
As the primaries approach, all eyes will be on how this unfolding power struggle plays out — and whether the party can manage the tensions without deepening internal divisions.
For now, one thing appears certain: the road to securing the APC ticket in Imo State will be fought, not in Abuja boardrooms, but on the ground — where party structures, loyalty, and grassroots support ultimately hold sway.
