The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reversed its earlier directive banning aspirants and party stakeholders from holding political meetings ahead of the party primaries, following widespread backlash, mounting tension and growing confusion among party faithful across the state.
The latest position of the party was contained in a fresh press statement issued on Friday by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, under the title: “Party Members Shall Decide Our Flag Bearers.”
In the new directive dated May 9, 2026, the party encouraged aspirants to “get into the field” and begin interfacing with party members across wards and constituencies ahead of the primaries.
The statement also emphasized that all card-carrying members of the APC are “automatically kingmakers,” stressing that every party member would vote during the primaries.
“Party leaders and officials at various levels” were equally urged not to stop aspirants from meeting and marketing themselves to party members, while members were encouraged to listen to all aspirants before making their choices.
The latest development appears to be a sharp departure from the party’s earlier controversial directive issued on May 7, 2026, which had barred unauthorized meetings and political gatherings by aspirants and stakeholders.
In the earlier statement titled “Important Update on Preparations for Party Primaries,” the APC had warned that no meetings or gatherings should be convened without the “explicit and verifiable approval” of the State Working Committee.
The party had also threatened sanctions against aspirants, stakeholders or pressure groups involved in meetings relating to endorsements, zoning arrangements or issues concerning the primaries.
The directive immediately triggered criticism, anxiety and intense political debate within the ruling party, as many aspirants and their supporters interpreted it as an attempt to suppress consultations, silence dissenting voices and frustrate grassroots mobilization ahead of the primaries.
For several days, tension reportedly gripped the party, especially among aspirants seeking elective offices in the National Assembly, State Assembly and local government structures, many of whom were uncertain about their next political steps.
Several party members privately expressed fears that the initial directive was designed to pave the way for a carefully orchestrated consensus arrangement that could favor aspirants perceived to enjoy the backing of powerful forces within Government House.
The confusion became more intense because many aspirants had already commenced consultations and grassroots meetings before the sudden directive banning gatherings was announced.
While some aspirants quietly suspended their meetings to avoid sanctions, others continued underground consultations, fearing that staying away from the field could weaken their political structures and reduce their chances ahead of the primaries.
Across the three senatorial zones, party faithful have continued to debate what many described as an ongoing power tussle within the Imo APC between political camps struggling for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some stakeholders believe the battle is no longer just about party primaries, but a broader struggle over who controls the political future of the state after Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure.
Insiders within the party claimed that different blocs within the APC are already positioning themselves to dominate the succession process, particularly regarding who emerges as governorship candidate, National Assembly candidates and key party leaders ahead of 2027.
The situation has reportedly created silent rivalries among political appointees, serving lawmakers, former office holders and influential power brokers within the party.
Observers say the fear among many aspirants is that the primaries may eventually become a mere formality if consensus arrangements are aggressively pushed by the party leadership.
This has continued to generate resentment among younger politicians and grassroots mobilizers who insist that party members should be allowed to freely choose candidates without intimidation or manipulation.
Some APC stakeholders also argued that the earlier restriction on meetings contradicted democratic principles and weakened internal party participation.
According to them, politics naturally involves consultations, lobbying and grassroots engagement, especially ahead of primaries.
They warned that suppressing such activities could alienate loyal party members and create avoidable bitterness capable of affecting the APC’s chances in future elections.
There are also growing allegations within the party that some aspirants considered not fully loyal to the Governor’s political direction may have been the real targets of the initial directive.
Though no names were officially mentioned, several supporters of affected aspirants accused certain forces within the party of attempting to isolate politicians perceived as independent-minded or politically ambitious outside the established structure.
The development has further exposed cracks within the APC, despite public efforts by party leaders to project unity.
In many local government areas, party members are now divided between those supporting an open contest and those backing a consensus arrangement allegedly aimed at maintaining political stability within the party.
Some senior stakeholders believe consensus remains the best option to avoid internal crisis and costly primaries, while others insist that imposing candidates may trigger mass defections and rebellion within the party.
Political analysts say the sudden reversal by the APC leadership may have been influenced by the outrage that followed the earlier statement, especially on social media and within internal party circles.
Many supporters openly questioned why aspirants would purchase nomination forms and still be prevented from meeting party members.
Others argued that the directive painted the party as intolerant and fearful of internal competition.
The backlash reportedly forced the leadership to reconsider its position to avoid further political damage and rising suspicion among party faithful.
Despite the reversal, tension still remains within the APC, as many aspirants continue to study the body language of influential leaders before fully returning to aggressive consultations.
Some aspirants are reportedly waiting to see whether the party will genuinely allow a free contest or eventually return to consensus arrangements at the final stage of the process.
The uncertainty has also fueled speculation over possible alignments and realignments ahead of the primaries.
In several political meetings across the state, conversations have centered on who enjoys the Governor’s confidence and who may eventually emerge as preferred candidates.
This has further heightened the perception that the battle for political control within the Imo APC has intensified quietly behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the APC leadership, in its latest statement, reassured aspirants of fairness, equity and transparency in the conduct of the primaries.
The party urged all aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of causing division within the APC.
It also appealed to members to remain loyal to the party and uphold sportsmanship throughout the primary process.
However, many political observers believe the coming weeks will determine whether the ruling party can successfully manage the growing internal tensions threatening to widen existing cracks within its structure.
For now, the reversal of the controversial directive may have calmed tempers temporarily, but the underlying struggle for control, influence and political succession within the Imo APC appears far from over.
