We are Reconciling All Aggrieved Members in Imo, Says Uzodinma

Tony Icheku in Owerri

The absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Owerri, Imo State, at the weekend at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Gubernatorial Campaign Council for the state governorship election billed for November 11, 2023, was clearly pronounced.

The APC has held sway in the state for almost 12 years as its flagship state in the South-east geo-political zone, and the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, being the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.

However, Governor Uzodinma assured Imolites that the state chapter of the party is currently on a reconciliation mission to pacify all members who feel aggrieved one way or another, noting  that the party  has also received hundreds of those who defected from  opposition political parties, stating that the doors remain open for more to come in.

He stated that: “We have embarked on the reconciliation of all the leaders and members of our great party who had suffered one grievance or another, and we have opened the doors for their return.

“Of late, not only had many of them come back to join the party, we have also witnessed massive defection from other political parties. As I speak to you, majority of the opposition political parties in Imo State, with  their party structures and their leadership, have joined the APC”

Also, the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; its National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and the National Executive Council (NEC)  members were on ground for the inauguration of the National Gubernatorial Campaign Council (Imo NGCC) which was held at the Admiral Godwin Ndubusi Kanu Square, Owerri.

Others in attendance included the chairman of the NGCC, Sen. Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State;  co-Chairmen, Hon. Francis Nwifuru;  Governor of Ebonyi State; the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji; and Hon.  Nkiru Onyejeocha, the minister of State for Labour and Employment among many others.

In his remarks, Ganduje assured the Imo people that the national leadership of the party is committed to leading the party to a resounding victory on November 11.

He expressed happiness that Uzodinma has done so well and that the party is just emphasising the governor’s achievements.

“We are simply emphasising on the benefits of good governance. To be honest with you, I am so happy. That’s because I have seen happiness in you all. I am surprised and astonished. This is not a campaign rally but a mere inauguration of the campaign council for Imo State. Previously, we were inaugurating in Abuja, but we decided to change the narrative by inaugurating it in the states.

“Your governor is an intelligent person. He is cooperating with the president and the president is ready to assist Imo State. We will do everything to ensure that you succeed in this election,” he affirmed.