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By EUSTACE OKERE
With the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) set to hold its primary elections across Imo State on May 20, anxiety and apprehension have taken center stage, particularly in the Imo East Senatorial District. Stakeholders are raising concerns over zoning, transparency, and the possibility of a consensus arrangement, as three major aspirants jostle for the party’s senatorial ticket.
A frontline senatorial aspirant for Imo East and former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Aboh Mbaise and Ngor-Okpala Federal Constituency, Hon. Greg Egu, has broken his silence on the brewing uncertainty. Speaking exclusively to journalists, Egu, widely regarded as one of the most qualified contenders for the position, called for fairness and adherence to the principle of equity.
Egu, a PDP stalwart who has been a party member since 2003, insisted that Ngor-Okpala extraction must produce the next senator, citing the need for an all-inclusive charter of equity.
“All political parties should make their tickets available for Ngor-Okpala sons and daughters,” Egu declared. He noted that while three aspirants are currently in the race under the PDP, the primary is likely to be decided by consensus, though no formal agreement has been reached.
The former federal lawmaker, who enjoys strong grassroots support, vowed to prioritize the interest of his local government area above personal ambition.
“Win or lose, I will support an Ngor-Okpala person going to the Senate. The charter of equity should be all inclusive,” he emphasized, making it clear that his ultimate loyalty lies with the collective demand of his people.
However, Egu also issued a firm warning regarding the conduct of the May 20 primary. While he pledged to accept an outright defeat under transparent conditions, he vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate the process.
“If there is transparency and I’m voted out, I’d accept the outcome in good fate. But, if I’m rigged out, I’d take the right steps,” he stated, stopping short of detailing what those steps would entail.
Political observers note that Imo East has witnessed repeated agitation over zoning, with many arguing that the senatorial seat has not been fairly rotated among the political blocs, with Ngor-Okpala bloc being the worst hit, within the district. As the PDP prepares for its primary, party leaders are under mounting pressure to either conduct a free and fair election or broker a consensus that respects the equity demand.
With just days to May 20, party faithfuls remain on edge, unsure whether the exercise will produce a smooth outcome or degenerate into a fresh crisis for the opposition party in Imo State.
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