Tension Mounts in Imo State as APC Primary Election Results Remain Unreleased

With just two weeks to go until the main elections on September 21, the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing unprecedented tension. The anxiety stems from the delayed release of results from the party’s primary elections, which were conducted on September 3 at various local government areas (LGAs) and wards across the state.

The situation has become increasingly worrisome as results allegedly emanating from the exercise have flooded social media platforms, listing certain individuals as winners of the primary election. Despite the state party leadership’s earlier warning to disregard these lists and wait for official release of the results, many aspirants are growing increasingly uncomfortable with the delay.

"I’m not happy with the way the party leadership is handling this matter," said a chairmanship aspirant from one of the LGAs, who wished to remain anonymous for political reasons. "While we’re still waiting for the official release of the results, some aspirants have already started jubilation based on the results flying around social media."

Hyginus Onumajuru, a card-carrying member of the party, expressed similar sentiments. "There’s the possibility of believing in the lists flying in social media, hinting that there’s no reason the party leadership will give that will be acceptable for an exercise conducted almost a week ago and the results are yet to be released," he said.

Onumajuru further suggested that the delay in releasing the results could be a sign that the state party leadership is not in control of the exercise. "This could be a clear indication that the party leadership is not in control of the primaries, if not so what could have been the cause of the delay in releasing the results?" he asked.

The local tabloid, in its banner headline, revealed that lists of candidates for the September 21 exercise are already before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A list from one of the social media platforms revealed that 12 names from Ohaji/Egbema LGA have already emerged as the party’s candidates for councillor positions ahead of the polls.

Some aspirants have already started receiving congratulatory messages from their well-wishers and supporters, allegedly based on the lists flying around. The party leadership, apart from an earlier statement issued by Julian Chijioke, media aid to the State party Chairman, Macdonald Ebere, has yet to make any other official announcement on the current development.

As the election draws near, the people of Imo State are eagerly awaiting the official release of the results, which could determine the fate of the APC’s candidates in the upcoming polls.