With the main elections just two weeks away on September 21, tension is rising within the Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) as candidates and party members await the results of the primary elections held on September 3. The primaries were conducted across various local government areas (LGAs) and wards in the state.
The situation has become more stressful with unofficial results circulating on social media, listing names of candidates allegedly declared winners in the primaries. Despite the party’s earlier warning to ignore these unofficial lists and wait for the official results, many aspirants are growing increasingly frustrated with the delay.
One chairmanship aspirant, who wished to remain anonymous for political reasons, expressed dissatisfaction with how the party leadership is handling the situation. He noted that while waiting for the official results, some candidates have already begun celebrating based on the unverified lists circulating online.
Hyginus Onumajuru, a party member, expressed concern that the continued delay in releasing the results suggests the party leadership might not be fully in control of the process. “It seems like the party leadership is struggling with managing the primaries. If not, why the delay? This uncertainty is causing panic among aspirants. Simply debunking the rumors isn’t enough; we need the official results,” he said.
Onumajuru also criticized the party for the way it is treating those who invested significant time and money in the primaries. “It’s unfair to the candidates who have worked hard and spent a lot of resources to secure their positions,” he added.
Adding to the confusion, a local tabloid recently claimed that candidate lists for the September 21 elections are already with the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC). Social media lists reportedly include 12 names from Ohaji/Egbema LGA for councillor positions and over 22 names of current sole administrators. Some aspirants have already received congratulatory messages based on these unofficial lists.
As of now, the party leadership has not made any additional official statements beyond an earlier message from Julian Chijioke, media aide to State party Chairman Macdonald Ebere. With the election only two weeks away, political activity remains minimal as the state awaits the official announcement.
