An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Imo, Chief Kingsley Chima, has urged national leadership of the party to wade into the crisis rocking the state over double candidature presentation at the primaries.
Chima, the party House of Representatives candidate, said that prolonging the crisis might affect the APC chances in the 2019 general elections.
He was declared the APC flagbearer for the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency on October 6 by the APC Electoral Committee headed by Retired Gen. Gbolakale Agbagbiaka.
China said on Monday in Lagos that there were so many aspirants parading themselves as candidates of the party, adding that this might cause confusion, if not urgently clarified.
He said: “APC is the major political party in Imo. We cannot afford to take risks that may affect our lots in the 2019 general elections.
“We have a few months before the general elections. Authentic candidates must be announced and their names published to give them time to plan for their campaigns.
“It is disheartening that lots of people are making claims to tickets that have not been issued to them by the party.
“This not only deepens the confusion for voters, it also puts the party in an awkward situation.”
According to him, some of the people parading themselves as candidates with fake tickets did not participate in the primaries.
China said: “APC has grown in Imo beyond leaps despite the odds faced by its founders in the state to make the party acceptable to the people.
“Allowing the impunity currently being exhibited by some members will not augur well for the party.
“We cannot afford to sit and watch new entrants and moles demolishing the structure that took hard work and dedication to build.”
Chima, however, urged the party to call erring members to order or have them disciplined in accordance with the party’s constitution.
He said: “We don’t want a divided house. What we want in Imo is the spirit of sportsmanship amongst contestants and together we will take the party to greater heights. We cannot do this amidst rift and acrimony.
“Whilst we do not want to lose any member, it does not follow that those who are out to destroy the party should be allowed to continue.
“The time for swift intervention is now and fast.”
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the controversy that trailed the APC primaries in Imo had continued with some aspirants parading themselves as candidates for the same ticket.
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