Imo 2019: Ararume, Izunaso in Closed-door Meeting with APGA Chairman

• Ifeanyi Ubah picks senatorial form

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Ahead of the 2019 governorship election in Imo State, a leading aspirant, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and immediate-past National Organising Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Izunaso, yesterday held a meeting with the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Victor Oye, in Abuja.

The two politicians, who are currently engaged in a running battle with the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, for the control of APC structure in the state arrived at the APGA secretariat in Abuja at about 1.30p.m. and headed straight to the office of APGA’s national chairman.

After the meeting that lasted for two hours, both men left the secretariat without stating their mission.

However, when THISDAY approached Ararume to inquire about what transpired, he declined comments, saying it was a private meeting.

Izunaso also told journalists that consultations were still ongoing and that another meeting has been slated for Friday.

“I can’t talk now. I have already said that. After our final meeting, I will talk. I am going to have another meeting next Friday and we will talk after that,” he said.

Although Ararume did not state the outcome of the meeting, it was however gathered that the former senator may pick the nomination form to contest for the governorship seat in the state on Friday.

A source said both Ararume and Izunaso had registered as members of APGA last week in their wards in Imo State.

Meanwhile, aspirants seeking APGA’s ticket have besieged the national headquarters of party in Abuja.

The aspirants, predominantly from Imo, Anambra and Abia States, came to pick nomination forms to contest various positions.

So far, Imo state is leading with over 30 aspirants, gunning for governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives seats. Imo State is followed by Anambra State.

One of the leading figures in the race for the Anambra South senatorial seat, and Chairman of Capital Oil, Ifeanyi Ubah, was among those who were at the party secretariat yesterday to pick his senatorial form.

Addressing supporters who accompanied him, Ubah said he would work to ensure favorable business environment for his kinsmen from the Southeast.

He said one of reasons for the youth restiveness and other vices in the land was because the existing policies have not encouraged youth enterprise.

When asked to speak on his chances against the wife of late APGA leader, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Ubah said he would not be drawn into any fight with the woman because traditionally Bianca is his wife.

He said that he is optimistic that at the appropriate time Mrs. Ojukwu will be stepping down for him, adding that he will secure the ticket and represent his senatorial district.