A sociopolitical group in Owerri zone, known as Owerri Zone Development Union, OZDU, has said that the Secretary to Imo PDP, Nze Ray Emeana is set to dump the party for the governing APC.
The Publicity Secretary of the OZDU, Stanley Onyechere who stated this on Sunday in Owerri, Imo State said there is an ongoing internal battle in the PDP and Ray Emeana is one of those who want to leave the party.
The group noted that Emeana claims that the Ihedioha administration did not treat him right, regretting that since his ouster, the former Governor has used him as his attack dog against Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Similarly, a highly placed source within the PDP confided in our correspondent that apart from Emeana, other big wigs are also planning their exit following major conflict of interest.
“The truth is there is too much bad blood in Imo PDP at the moment and it’s all because of 2023 especially in Owerri zone,” the source said.
“The former governor (Ihedioha) wants to return and it is causing a lot of friction. Stakeholders like Nze Ray Emeana who are quite vocal about the need for an open and fair contest have been marginalized. So if you see people like him in the APC tomorrow, don’t be surprised. Politics is all about personal interest.
When asked whether such exit was imminent, he said: “Well, they have been meeting. But I think someone like Ray Emeana will want to receive certain assurances before he officially defects. It all depends on what compromise they reach and how soon they reach it,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of the APC caretaker committee would neither confirm nor deny whether Nze Ray Emeana was being expected in the APC.
But a text message from a member of CampHope who pleaded anonymity, because he was not authorized to speak to the press, simply said: “Not only Ray Emeana, please. Discussions are ongoing.”
Reacting to the allegations, the PDP scribe denied the group’s claim, saying a party that could not appoint Commissioners for the past 6 months has nothing to offer lmo people and myself.
He said,” I will leave politics any day I leave PDP and i remain a strong member of the leading opposition PDP in the state. For avoidance of doubt, no member of the failed APC administration had approached me. They cannot because they know I won’t join them” I’m a contented person and not like Femi Fani-Kayode.
“Their allegations show the level of frustrations in Imo State chapter of the APC.
APC had the impression that if they took Ogubundu Nwadike, former publicity secretary of PDP that PDP is finished but they are now frustrated to know that our party is still very strong and formidable in the state.
He explained further that Imo PDP is not in any crisis.
Let me also correct the impression that I’m Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s attacking dog, Ihedioha is an outstanding person so he can speak for himself. I attack only those working hard to destroy what Imo stands for.
“Moreover, Emeka Ihedioha’s 12 years as a federal lawmaker and 7 months as the Governor of Imo State speak for him. Ihedioha has not even declared for Imo gubernatorial seat, remember.”
Emeana further said there must be fairness, equity and justice in Imo State if APC is sincere. They should join the campaign for a governor of Owerri zone extraction.
