By Baron Ike
The Imo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has resolved to field a consensus candidate for the Okigwe Senatorial bye-election billed for October 31, 2020.
The decision was reached on Saturday when the party caucus met in Owerri to take a look at the more than 10 candidates aspiring for the Owerri North Senatorial seat whose former occupant, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu died early this year.
At the meeting, the APC chieftains passed a vote of confidence on Governor Hope Uzodimma, describing his administration as a blessing to Imo people.
The party said the consensus option has become necessary in view of the number of persons vying for the seat, but also resolved that should any of the candidates refuse the option, the aspirants would be made to go through a direct primary election .
Importantly, however, is that the entire Okigwe members of the APC and their aspirants who were in attendance at the meeting bought into the idea of a consensus arrangement.
To help facilitate the consensus arrangement, a nine man committee headed by the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Cosmas Iwu, was set up to interface with all the aspirants.
Governor Uzodimma was however conceded the right to support whoever candidate emerges from the consensus arrangement, just as all the other aspirants also pledged their support to the person.
Some of the Okigwe leaders who spoke at the meeting said the race should not be left for them alone to determine who emerges and how as the zone and the seat in contest is critical to the support the governor should get as the captain of the political ship of Imo State.
The Chairman of APC in Imo State, Marcom Nlemigbo confirmed the decision when he spoke to newsmen after the meeting.
According to him, the party was determined to field a candidate who will be acceptable to the Okigwe people and committed to the development of the area in line with the vision of Governor Uzodimma.
In attendance at the caucus meeting were the former deputy governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, Senator Osita Izunaso, among other key members of the APC.