Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma met with All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirants and party stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri. The meeting, held on May 14, 2026, was ahead of the party's primaries scheduled to begin the following day, May 15, 2026. Uzodinma urged aspirants to uphold loyalty, discipline and sacrifice during the electoral process. He described politics as a game of courage, not a lottery, and warned against desperation in the pursuit of party tickets.
The governor advised candidates against spending money meant for children's school fees to buy nomination forms. He emphasized that while some would win, others would lose, and all must remain committed to the party regardless of outcome. Uzodinma confirmed the use of Option A4 voting system in the primaries where consensus failed, to ensure transparency and reduce claims of bias. He said the APC Primaries Conduct Committee and Appeal Committee had been established to address disputes.
Uzodinma expressed concern over the high number of aspirants contesting various positions, calling for a process that would result in a win-win outcome for all. He urged adherence to equity and rotation principles where applicable in local communities. Party Chairman Austin Onyedebelu reaffirmed APC's focus on unity, reconciliation and electoral success ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stated that the State Executive Committee had taken steps to reposition the party for greater efficiency. Onyedebelu acknowledged that grievances may arise but maintained that reconciliation mechanisms were in place to ensure a rancor-free process.
Hope Uzodinma warns aspirants against spending school fees on forms while his own re-election campaign will require massive funding from the same pool of aspirants. His call for sacrifice contradicts the reality that losing candidates often exit politics broke and without support. The win-win outcome he promises has no precedent in past APC primaries in Imo. Aspirants may find loyalty rewards only those already in power.
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