Why Uzodimma’s consensus push may backfire
In Imo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC), the real contest for the next governorship is within the party itself. Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly seeks a consensus candidate; a move insiders
In Imo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC), the real contest for the next governorship is within the party itself. Governor Hope Uzodimma reportedly seeks a consensus candidate; a move insiders say could either boost his control or spark serious internal problems.
Dr Modesty Vitus Ezenwa, a party chieftain, issues a blunt and urgent warning: If Imo APC allows Governor Uzodimma to handpick a successor or impose a consensus candidate, the party will face three risks: legal crisis, mass defections, and electoral defeat.
Some supporters of the consensus method disagree that it will cause problems. They point to the APC primary in Ekiti State in 2018, where using consensus helped unite the party and present a strong front in the general election. As party loyalist Chidozie Nnaji put it, “A properly managed consensus builds harmony and keeps the party focused on victory instead of internal fights.”
Still, there is a deeper worry beneath the surface. In Imo APC, it is the party’s structure, not just feelings, that wins elections. This structure means having organised networks of ward leaders, grassroots workers, and local supporters who help gather votes. Often, this organisation is what decides who wins.
This structure depends on ward leaders, delegates, and many hopeful candidates who are already working behind the scenes. Many people argue that forcing a consensus sends a risky message. They say it makes those who invest in politics feel as if their efforts no longer matter.
Ezenwa emphasised the impact: “The news has destroyed the motivation in many aspirants,” highlighting widespread frustration among party members at the local government level.
This situation is not new. Past party leaders who imposed candidates failed to achieve good results. In 2019, APC lost in Zamfara and Rivers after flawed primaries prompted courts to give victory to the opposition. In Imo, Rochas Okorocha’s failed attempt to pick his own successor broke the party apart, and the APC lost.
Ironically, Uzodimma became governor because a court overturned what many saw as a flawed political process. Party insiders are well aware of this twist.
“Uzodimma is governor today because the rules enforced his right,” Ezenwa argued. “The party cannot now turn around and abandon those same rules.”
The legal minefield
Beyond politics, the law takes precedence. Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act 2022 explicitly states that consensus is valid only if all aspirants agree in writing. One dissenting voice collapses the arrangement.
This is the key risk threatening the party’s plans.
“If even one serious aspirant refuses to sign, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has grounds to reject the candidate,” Ezenwa warned. “Opposition lawyers are already waiting.”
Party sources say some aspirants are already planning legal steps, such as filing “non-consent letters” and preparing for pre-election lawsuits. Usually, they send formal notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stating that they do not support a consensus candidate and provide written proof of their disagreement.
Aspirants may also ask courts to stop the party’s nomination process if they believe rules were not followed. In the past, during the APC’s primary disputes in Rivers and Zamfara, such legal actions led courts to cancel the party’s candidates and award wins to the opposition. These cases show that even a single well-timed legal challenge can disrupt the process and undermine the party’s chances in the election.
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In this case, consensus may not simplify matters. Instead, it could arm opponents with clear evidence to use against the party.
Suspicion about who controls the process remains the main reason for resistance. Influencing delegates is easier than persuading the larger party membership.
“Under direct primaries, all card-carrying members are expected to vote. It’s harder to manipulate 100,000 members than 1,000 delegates,” Ezenwa noted.
This is why some aspirants quietly support bringing back direct primaries. This system reduces central control and makes candidates work harder to win support from regular party members.
Silent revolt loading
Strategists worry more about quiet sabotage than open rebellion.
The Imo PDP’s experience in 2023 serves as a clear warning to the APC: imposing candidates leads to voter apathy, protest votes, and significant legislative losses. APC insiders now fear a repeat, as dissatisfied aspirants could quietly withdraw support on election day, risking similar electoral setbacks.
“An imposed candidate inherits enemies, not a structure,” Ezenwa said. “You can win a primary by force, but you cannot force people to vote.”
Rumours are already circulating that some aspirants are joining forces to resist any arrangement imposed from above.
For Uzodimma, the goal for 2027 is clear: keep control over who succeeds him and maintain his political influence after leaving office. For the party, though, the bigger issues are credibility, unity, and the ability to win elections.
“A consensus that silences competition is not a consensus. It’s an appointment,” Ezenwa declared. “And voters punish appointments.”
In the next few months, Imo APC will face a choice: focus on control at the expense of competition, or find a way to balance ambition with party unity.
One thing is clear: if these early signs become official policy, the 2027 election may be decided first in the courts, in local party meetings, and by the quiet choices of party members about whether to participate.
As the party approaches this crucial moment, several scenarios could unfold. Unhappy aspirants might challenge the consensus choice in court, leading to a lengthy legal fight, the disqualification of the party’s candidate, and the opposition gaining an edge. Alternatively, growing discontent could prompt many to leave the party or quietly protest by not helping on election day, weakening the APC’s support.
Still, if party leaders handle the consensus process openly, they could bring key people together, avoid public splits, and improve the party’s chances in the election. For now, uncertainty prevails, and every choice leaders make in the next few months will shape what happens.
