The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will consider consensus candidates for the upcoming local government elections.
News About Nigeria reports that the local government elections of the state are scheduled to be held on September 21.
Speaking to aspirants and stakeholders at the party’s secretariat in Owerri, Uzodimma explained that this approach aims to foster unity and cohesion within the party.
The decision to opt for consensus candidates was made due to the large number of interested aspirants – over 800 for councillorship positions and over 200 for chairmanship roles.
Uzodimma outlined the three methods for selecting candidates, as stated in the APC constitution: direct primaries, indirect primaries, and consensus.
He stated that consensus will be the first option, considering the unique circumstances of each local government area.
If consensus proves difficult, the party will resort to direct or indirect primaries to select candidates.
Uzodimma congratulated the party on its recent electoral victory at the Supreme Court, which has paved the way for the smooth conduct of the council elections.
“Before now, it seems impossible because of the insecurity in various LGAs of the state,” he said.
The governor, who reminded the party faithful that APC was one family in the state, urged them to make sacrifices for the victory of the party.
“What I will consider this time is that the cost of things are high.
“I will plead with the party to go into the contest with one spirit.
“Those who win, we will encourage them to work with those who didn’t win.
He urged party members to work together, make sacrifices, and support one another to ensure victory.
Uzodimma acknowledged the high cost of the elections and promised to refund expenses to unsuccessful aspirants.
The state party chairman, MacDonald Ebere, expressed gratitude to the governor for his leadership.
