Ohaji group petitions Tinubu, Uzodinma over APC Reps ticket dispute

A socio-political group, the Ohaji Patriotic Forum (OPF), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene in what it described as an alleged injustice in the party’s House of Representatives ticket in Imo State.

In an open letter released in Owerri on Saturday, the group expressed concern over developments surrounding the APC ticket for the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency.

The letter, signed by OPF National Chairman, Mazi Bethel Nwanorim, and National Secretary, Chief Christopher Ezeocha, alleged that the current process could undermine an existing zoning arrangement designed to ensure fairness and balance among the constituent blocs.

According to the forum, the Ohaji bloc is being denied the opportunity to produce the APC candidate despite what it described as a longstanding rotational understanding among the areas.

The group warned that disregarding such arrangements could erode trust, weaken political inclusion, and disrupt harmony within the constituency.

It also referenced an alleged pre-2023 agreement involving the incumbent lawmaker, Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, and local stakeholders, which it said affirmed the principle of rotational representation.

The forum argued that any attempt to sidestep the agreement would undermine credibility in leadership and democratic values.

While raising concerns, the group acknowledged the developmental efforts of Governor Uzodinma and reaffirmed the loyalty of the Ohaji people to the APC.

It urged the president, party leaders, and the state government to ensure that justice, fairness, and equity prevail in the selection of the party’s candidate.

The OPF also called on residents to remain peaceful and pursue their demands through lawful and democratic means.

The group expressed confidence that the APC leadership would address the matter in a way that promotes unity and stability within the constituency.