By Ori Martins
It was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that shocked all in its choice and election of the party’s standard bearers for the 2027 general elections.
At a time it was taken for granted that the PDP was dead and buried on the grounds that it is engulfed in deadly political entanglements at all levels, it was really shocking that the PDP, Imo State Chapter, still produced several heavyweights, particularly in the senatorial primary elections.
Although numerous public affairs analysts in the state still believe that the former ruling party is dead and is only waiting for its final burial, the party in the state thinks otherwise.
“Forget what the confused members of the PDP is doing either in Imo or elsewhere, the fact remains that the umbrella party is destroyed. Imagine a situation where the two factions conducted the primary elections in the state. What do you call that? The Wike – led faction did house of assembly, house of representatives and senatorial primary elections. At the same time and in the same party, the Turaki – led group still theirs and you want me to say that all is well with the PDP because its desperate leadership and confused members are saying so. The PDP is dead. It only exits in a name”, Dr Afam Echi, a commentator on national issues stated.
Yet, the question is, if the PDP is dead in Imo and elsewhere, what is the magic it employed to attract some of the big names in Imo politics? For instance, in Imo East Senatorial District, otherwise known as Owerri Zone, the PDP elected former deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election.
The party equally went for former House of Assembly member, Rt Hon Jones Onyeneriri just as a business mogul, Chief Ejiogu Nwachukwu emerged winner for the Imo North Senatorial District.
“The PDP has had its bad periods. The leadership of the party at the national level has worked hard in solving the crises that weakened the party. So far, the leadership at all levels have come together and agreed that PDP must be united and strong if the party must regain its rightful position in the country’s national politics. The calibre of candidates the party elected in the last primary elections show that PDP is revive”, Udechukwu Longinus, stated.
Also, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Imo State Chapter, has successfully conducted what the publicity secretary of the party, Chief Macdonald Amadi described as “free, fair, and seamless House of Assembly and National Assembly primaries across the state, electing credible and popular candidates to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections”.
Amadi noted that “The primaries, held under strict adherence to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, witnessed massive participation of party faithful, aspirants, and stakeholders”.
He added, “The exercise was peaceful, transparent, and devoid of rancour, reflecting the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy and grassroots ownership”.
The ADC commended delegates, aspirants, and the electoral committee for their discipline and sportsmanship during and after the primary elections.
The ADC spokesperson said, “The outcome has produced a crop of standard bearers with proven track records, deep grassroots connection, and the capacity to deliver quality representation and transformative leadership at both state and federal levels.
“The African Democratic Congress in Imo State is proud to present candidates who embody competence, integrity, and the aspirations of the people. The candidates are ready to engage Imo electorate on issues that matter: security, jobs, infrastructure, education, and economic revitalization.
“This successful process is a clear statement that the ADC remains the most organized, united, and people-centered political platform in Imo State today. The Party is battle-ready, united, and determined to offer Imo people a credible alternative in 2027”.
It has been stated that the Imo APC produced what many observers have described as “shocking results” following the failure of ranking National Assembly members to emerge as candidates in the last primary election.
Perhaps, the most shocking revelation is the emergence of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the candidate of APC for Imo West even when his tenure still runs for about one year. This is the first of its kind in the country. What governors do is to wait for their tenures to elapse before contesting for senatorial elections.
In the Imo East or Owerri Senatorial District, Prince Alex Mbata was re-elected as the standard bearer of the ruling APC. Mbata was the APC candidate for the Owerri senate seat in 2023 but finished third behind LP and PDP candidates.
In Okigwe Zone or Imo North Senatorial District, APC re- elected a sitting National Assembly member, Sen Patrick Ndubueze, as its candidate.
However, there is a disagreement in Okigwe Zone. Sen Ifeanyi Ararume still insists he was the one that ought to be returned as the APC candidate in Okigwe. Till the time of sending this story, the Ararume/Ndubueze angst was not resolved.