The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has finally put to rest speculations about the authentic governorship candidates of various political parties in Imo state with the release of names of candidates in Owerri, the state capital, weekend.
Expectedly, the APC which nomination process has been mired in controversy was the cynosure of all eyes in the state and even beyond when news of the publication broke late last week.
After initial confusion regarding whose name was published, it later emerged that the name of Sen Hope Uzodinma which the party leadership had submitted earlier eventually was what INEC published.
Though, APC and its candidate stole the show due to the heated struggle that has been going on for the ticket between Gov Rochas Okorocha and Sen Uzodimma, a total of sixty seven (67) candidates made the INEC list for the state governorship election.
Believed to be the highest in the country, the published list featured prominent names like Sen Ifeanyi Araraume, APGA, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, PDP, Barr Ngozi Olehi, AGA and Barr Aloysius Osuji, MAJA
Others who made the list include Ejike Chukwu ADC, Hon Tony Nwulu, UPP, Linus Okorie YPP, Chuka Okonya, AGAP and many others.
But, no sooner had INEC published the said list than the embattled Gov Okorocha hurriedly jetted out of the state to Abuja.
Nigeria Newspoint gathered that the governor who had earlier when it was reported that INEC did not publish APC candidate’s name praised the commission for sticking to the rule of law, quickly rushed out of town on getting wind of the latest development.
His son in law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu was also believed to be out of the state as a hurried news briefing put together by his campaign office was addressed by Engr Chidi Ibe his campaign manager.
Although nobody in the governor’s camp could say why he hurriedly travelled out, sources however revealed correspondent that it was not unconnected with the struggle for the soul and guber ticket of the party between him and Sen Uzodinma and Allied Coalition Forces.
