Imo North Senatorial Election: Frank Ibezim’s Name Finally Submitted To INEC

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA

Life is an endless battle and conflict, and no good war  strategist can fight very effectively unless he identifies his  enemies. In Okigwe Zone, it seems the people have a common identified political enemy who stands aloof and above board as many past and successive Governors have fought him to a stand still, yet he is not deterred. He is a man who carefully picks up his own fight and moves with a force that shows him an independent political institution rather than a mere party man. Anywhere he goes, those who have either  blindly or carefully remained on his monthly payroll over the years follow him with such candour, agility, civility and affability showing dedication as foot soldiers; since politics is a game of interest.

While many have held the opinion that fighting to defend one’s territory against external invasion by unknown enemies is more honourable than the fight of ego; which is seen as  ‘Surugede kind of dance.’. Others have maintained that in politics a man can engage in any kind of fight especially, one targeted at  sidelining, silencing or relegating  him to the background, where his relevance fades away like old age.

Following aftermath of Thursday, September 3, 2020, APC Primary election for the forthcoming by-election in Imo North Senatorial District slated for October 31, 2020, the attendant outcome of that exercise, which has polarised the party as two candidates emerged from the two factional party  leadership: Sir Frank Ibezim (Barr. Charles Nlemigbo led Imo APC) and Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume (Daniel Nwafor led APC faction ); laying claims to the ticket ahead of the  political Amargedon in Okigwe Zone.

Eventually, the boardroom politics of power tussle, claims and counter-claims of the real candidate of the party shifted to Abuja last week; where  the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC) was expected to, among other things, reconcile aggrieved party leaders, financiers, stakeholders and other interest groups; present, submit and publish the name of either Sir Frank Ibezim, a close political aide and friend of Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education or Sen. Ifenanyi Ararume, who many believed, is enjoying background support of Chief Rochas Okorocha and his numerous supporters on the other side of the party divide.

Finally, news started tricking in last night that Sir Frank Ibezim’s name has been submitted to INEC as the party’s standard flag bearer ahead of the October 31 by -election for Okigwe Senate seat. 
A source close to the APC Senatorial Candidate, Frank Ibezim, disclosed earlier today that the tall ebony skinned politician has received a deluge of congratulatory messages from party leaders in Imo State and across the country as the duo of Governor Hope Uzodinma and Chief Emeka Nwajiuba had called and congratulated him via a brief phone conversation.

Expectedly, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, whose integrity, respect and relevance in Okigwe Zone nay Imo State politics has been challenged, may not take this with kid gloves as he may explore other political avenues using his resources, contacts, networks and reach to prove yet another strong and surprising point to the Governor and handlers of Sir Frank Ibezim.

Of course, a veteran in power play, Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume understands that political war or any kind of power tussle, is waged and won through strategy. Since fighting in a defensive manner is not a sign of weakness but the height of strategic wisdom, a powerful style of waging war which requires some level of aggressiveness.

While the legal fireworks may ensue any moment soon, many political leaders and stakeholders in Imo State have privately advised the Ishi Ebu born political warlord and business maverick, Distinguished Senator Ifeanyichukwu Godwin Ararume,  to sheathe his draconian sword and give some space for the younger generation to thrive and make their mark in the political  landscape of Okigwe Zone.

An emerging political leader in Okigwe Zone and APC front line contender for the soul of Imo North Senatorial seat during the Party primaries, Chief Chikwem Onuoha, having thrown his weight behind Sir Frank Ibezim after diligent discussions with the Governor and stakeholders has  toed the path of party discipline and comportment as he directed his campaign organization to galvanize support for the party’s standard flag bearer ahead of the October 31, 2020, by -election.

–Njoku Macdonald Obinna, periscoping and dissecting the aftermath of Frank Ibezim’s emergence,  declaration and submission as APC candidate ahead of the October 31, 2020, bye -election for Imo North Senatorial District.

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