By Dan Opara
In a significant shift for the Imo APC primaries, Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma has unveiled a new candidate selection process.
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, during a pivotal meeting with key stakeholders at the party’s State Secretariat on Owerri/Okigwe Road in Owerri, Imo State’s capital, Uzodimma announced that the APC will utilize a consensus and harmonization strategy to select its Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized that local leaders across various wards and local government areas are tasked with reaching a consensus on candidate selections.
He also assured aspirants that the costs incurred for purchasing Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms would be reimbursed through Return to Capital,ROC, highlighting the party’s commitment to a unified and collaborative selection process.
Consensus entails achieving a general agreement or shared understanding among a group, where all members support or accept a decision or opinion, even if it is not their preferred choice.
This approach often involves extensive discussion and negotiation to address the concerns and interests of all parties involved.
Harmonization, conversely, involves aligning various systems, rules, or standards to ensure they are compatible and consistent.
This process facilitates effective interaction between different entities or systems, akin to aligning regulations in international trade to streamline transactions and reduce barriers.
The Governor’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions among party stakeholders, particularly some aspirants for Chairmanship and Councilorship positions.
Several aspirants, who requested anonymity, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the harmonization approach, arguing that it undermines the primary election process and restricts their opportunities to contest openly.
Despite these concerns, the aspirants recognize the Governor’s authority within the party and have indicated their willingness to adhere to the new process.
Under this method, leaders from the 27 local government areas will collectively determine the endorsement of candidates, potentially altering the dynamics of the primaries.
In a related note, the Return of Capital (ROC) refers to principal payments made back to shareholders or capital owners in a business or investment.
This financial term underscores the reimbursement aspect of the Governor’s assurance to aspirants regarding their nomination expenses.
