By Douglas Princemola
Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okigwe North Federal Constituency following a strong protest by the Okigwe Zone Youth Mandate (OKZYM) over the emergence of Hon. Uche Emma Agasu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The group, in a fiery press briefing held in Owerri on Sunday, accused the APC leadership of undermining fairness and due process during the party’s primary election conducted on May 16, 2026.
Speaking before journalists and media organisations, the National President of OKZYM, Evangelist Kelechi Uzoma, described Agasu’s emergence as “deeply questionable,” insisting that the process betrayed loyal party aspirants who legitimately contested for the federal ticket.
According to Uzoma, the controversy is not about zoning, as the group strongly supported the decision to allow Onuimo Local Government Area produce the next representative for Okigwe North in line with the region’s Charter of Equity arrangement. However, he argued that the issue lies in the alleged irregular manner through which Agasu emerged as the APC flag bearer.
The youth leader alleged that Agasu had initially pursued the Onuimo State Constituency seat in the Imo State House of Assembly and actively participated in activities connected to that race before suddenly appearing as the winner of the House of Representatives primary.
“We have evidence that he campaigned for the State Assembly position. He printed posters, purchased forms, and participated in the screening process for the Imo State House of Assembly election. It came as a shock to many party faithful when his name surfaced as the House of Representatives candidate,” Uzoma stated.
He maintained that allowing Agasu to retain the ticket would send a dangerous signal to party members who followed laid-down procedures and invested resources into the contest.
The group also questioned why aspirants who specifically purchased nomination forms for the House of Representatives election were allegedly overlooked despite fulfilling all party requirements.
Among those mentioned were Hon. Robertson Ekwebelem and Hon. Ubah James Esile, the current member representing Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly.
Uzoma particularly praised Esile for sacrificing what could have been a second term opportunity in the State Assembly to pursue the federal seat, only to be allegedly denied a fair chance despite what the group described as his experience and preparedness.
In another striking remark, the OKZYM President openly declared that Agasu lacks the political exposure and legislative experience required for the Green Chamber, insisting that the National Assembly demands more seasoned leadership.
“He should first prove himself at the State Assembly level. The House of Representatives is a more demanding national platform that requires political maturity and legislative experience,” he added.
The development is already generating heated reactions among APC supporters and political stakeholders across Okigwe Zone, with many closely watching how the party leadership and Governor Hope Uzodimma will respond to the growing agitation.
Political observers believe the controversy could deepen internal divisions within the ruling party if not carefully handled ahead of the 2027 elections.
OKZYM has therefore called on the APC leadership at both state and national levels to urgently review the outcome of the primary and restore confidence among party faithful by ensuring transparency, equity, and justice prevail.
The group warned that ignoring the concerns raised by stakeholders could weaken party unity and create avoidable cracks within the APC structure in Okigwe North.
The organisation further highlighted its steadfast commitment to protecting democratic principles, fairness, and equal political opportunities for all aspirants within the party. Uzoma stressed that the group remains resolute in advocating for credibility and accountability in the APC’s internal processes.
He also pointed out that the controversy has sparked wider political conversations across Okigwe Zone, with many party loyalists expressing concern over the long-term implications such disputes could have on party cohesion and electoral strength ahead of 2027.
