Imo PDP implodes, as Ihedioha hijacks party structure for guber 2023 ambition: There is uneasy calm in Imo state branch of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which is anchored on the early gubernatorial ambition scheming of the deposed Imo governor, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as many party leaders poise for war to regain what was taken away from them by the Mbutu politician over the last party election at ward and local government areas of the state.
A source confirmed that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had previously complained to national chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus over the insistence of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha to install 85% of his loyalists at ward level without considering the interest of other stakeholders. The Chief according to the source was surprised to be shortchanged by the Mbutu politician after their heart to heart discussion on the subject matter.
It was reliably gathered that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has gotten the nod of the party national chairman for harmonization of the list which is yet to be effected as Covid-19 pandemic lock down put on hold every party activity.
Notably, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s loyalists who did not conspicuously participate in the party election was said to find their way in the lists as many party stakeholders in Owerri zone have vowed to resist such move saying that Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha should not attempt to hijack the party for his personal gain having 2023 in view.
Our reporter gathered that the last party election has edged out some notable members and chieftains of the party in the scheme of things as Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha succeeded in planting his loyalists in 20 local government areas in Imo state rendering some party chieftains impotent to carry their loyalists along against 2023 elections.
It was reported that Okigwe Senatorial zone was the worst hit in the latest hijacking of party structure by Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha and many of the party chieftains have equally sent a protest letter to the national headquarters of the party stressing that if Ihedioha is allowed by the party to call the shot alone there will be mass exodus of party members and stakeholders in Okigwe zone.
International Newstrack gathered that former governors, Chief Achike Udenwa and Dr. Ikedi Ohakim were allowed to harmonize the names of their preferred loyalists from their immediate local government areas but they were not satisfied with turn of events as there was strong indication that the Mbutu politician reportedly tampered with the yet to be released harmonized list.
Anchoring on the clear desperation of Ihedioha, the 3 Federal House members from Owerri zone have vowed never to fund the party as Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s 2023 gubernatorial ambition is in the front burner in the last concluded party election and they complained that Ihedioha has already penciled down the names of his loyalists as state executive members without consultation with the stakeholders of the party.
A top chieftain of the party in Imo state who preferred anonymity said 3 Federal House members belonging to PDP have indicated interest to leave the party because their chances of returning in 2023 is very slim as Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha is bent to contest 2023 at all cost.
In his words “Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha is a selfish politician who only wants his interest to be accommodated without considering that he no longer occupies any known public office while disrespecting other stakeholders in the party over his inordinate political ambition” He said.
