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There had been speculations in political circles for quite some time now that the former governor of Imo state, now Senator for Orlu zone, Rochas Okorocha has concluded plans to join the Peoples Democratic Party PDP on which platform he once contested election in the past.
The speculations were however given credence after the last ward congresses where he didn’t make any input, as he did not even revalidate his membership, hence did not produce a ward chairman.
Another issue that gives more flesh to the speculations is the fact that most of his core loyalists did not participate in the recently concluded nationwide APC member ship registration and revalidation exercise which most political pundits say, comfirmed his rumoured exit from the party.
A source in the PDP, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that, “Okorocha and governor Wike of Rivers state are working hand in gloves to hijack the PDP structure in the South east and South South especially in Imo state where Okorocha is requesting that he be given three federal house of representatives slots, and the Orlu senate seat for himself, in addition to the Deputy Governorship slot which is believed to be for his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu who he has been packaging for the number one or two executive position in the state for obvious reasons.
“Senator Okorocha is presently doing all he can to ensure that his three loyalists who are currently federal lawmakers are given automatic return tickets and Uche Nwosu, the deputy Governorship slot”.
Governor Wike according to our source has assured him that he will use his contracts and influence in the party to ensure that his demands are met.
It is also speculated that the crises presently rocking the national leadership of the party is fuelled and sponsored by Wike to weaken the base of the party’s national chairman Uche Secondus and portray him as incapable of presiding over the affairs of the party.
Continuing the source said,” Uche Secondus was nominated by Wike who, to a large extent facilitated his emergence as PDP National Chairman. He however feels that Secondus is no longer loyal and may not support or be pleasantly disposed to his ambition of becoming the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, hence he wants to remove him.”
It is also rumoured that some members of the Uche Secondus led national executive of the PDP who resigned recently were financially induced to do so to further weaken the chairman’s hold on the party and pave way for Wike’s ambition.
Some political pundits who commented on the unfolding developments said, “if Senator Okorocha succeeds in having his requests granted by the PDP, it means that the political ambition and calculations of ThankGod Ezeani and Jones Onyereri who are gearing up for the Orlu senatorial seat will be jeopardized, while others who expect a level playing ground to enable them contest for the house of representative seats where Okorocha is demanding automatic tickets for his loyalists will also be frustrated.
This, they say may breed discord and disharmony that will further polarize the party and affect its fortunes in the 2023 election.
