Imo Rep Ticket: Ohaji Group appeals to Tinubu, Uzodinma over APC seat

By Chinonso Alozie

The Ohaji Patriotic Forum (OPF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Hope Uzodinma, and the Imo State APC leadership to intervene in concerns surrounding the APC House of Representatives ticket for the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency in Imo State.

The appeal was contained in an open letter made available to journalists in Owerri and jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of OPF, Bethel Nwanorim and Christopher Ezeocha respectively.

According to the forum, recent political developments within the constituency have generated concerns over the zoning and rotational understanding that has historically promoted peace, inclusion and political balance among the constituent blocs of Ohaji, Egbema, Oguta and Oru West.

The forum expressed concern that the Ohaji bloc may not produce the APC candidate for the House of Representatives seat despite what it described as an existing understanding on rotational representation within the constituency.

Part of the statement read: “We write on behalf of the members and leadership of the Ohaji Patriotic Forum (OPF), a socio-political organisation committed to the promotion of justice, equity, fairness, unity and peaceful coexistence within the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency.

“At a well-attended meeting of our organisation, members extensively deliberated on the current political situation surrounding the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the forthcoming elections.

“Following careful consultations and reviews, the forum resolved to respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of our great party, the APC leadership in Imo State and Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure fairness and inclusion in the process.”

The forum further noted that the Ohaji people have remained supporters of Governor Uzodinma and the APC over the years, demonstrating loyalty during elections and political engagements.

“The people of Ohaji have consistently supported the political journey and leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma, from his emergence as senator to his current position as Governor of Imo State. It is therefore important that all stakeholders continue to promote inclusion and equitable representation,” the statement added.

The group also referenced a reported agreement entered into before the 2023 elections between Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu and the leadership of Ogbako Ohaji regarding rotational representation within the constituency.

According to the OPF, the agreement reflected a commitment to political equity and fairness among the constituent blocs.

The forum stated: “Leadership must continue to be built on integrity, honour, trust, credibility and respect for commitments made before the people.

“Respect for agreements and political understanding helps strengthen public confidence in leadership and democratic values.”

While expressing their concerns, the forum commended Governor Uzodinma for infrastructural and developmental projects recorded under his administration across the state.

“We acknowledge and commend the visible developmental efforts and infrastructural achievements of Governor Hope Uzodinma across the state. It is because of the confidence the Ohaji people have in his leadership that we are appealing to him to ensure that fairness and equity prevail in this matter.”

The forum emphasised that the people of Ohaji remain peaceful and committed to democratic processes, while urging stakeholders to act responsibly in order to preserve unity and political stability within the constituency.

“We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, the APC leadership in Imo State and Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene and ensure that the principles of fairness, justice and inclusion are upheld within the constituency,” the statement added.

The group concluded by expressing confidence that the APC leadership at both national and state levels would act in the interest of equity, party unity and lasting peace within the federal constituency.

The post Imo Rep Ticket: Ohaji Group appeals to Tinubu, Uzodinma over APC seat appeared first on Vanguard News.