Deacon Ideato C Ideato Okoli fcai.
Permit me to appreciate God Almighty for the privilege of not only being a member of the Transportation committee of the 2026 convention but also in charge of South East transport to the convention ground. It was unlike any APC convention in the history of APC since 2014.
With or without ANIM State approval by the Senate before 2027 election, the 2027 election will be the most consequential election in the history of the ideato federal constituency as we know it today.
I am a firm advocate of ANIM STATE for its obvious implications for the Ideato Federal Constituency. While l have great reservations about the leanings of the Senate President Akoabio about ANIM STATE and his option of Anioma State for the benefit of his South South zone, however, the constitutional political preference is and should be in favour of ANIM STATE to give South East Zone the 6th State equality among the zones with exception of one.
If it does not happen before 2027, the possibility of happening after the election is even far greater. I must appreciate His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, ONWA, the Most Distinguished Senator Osita Bournaventure Izunaso, all the South East cacus in the National Assembly and of course the Dr. David Nwaenyi.
It therefore becomes absolutely imperative to juxtapose the consequential import of the 2027 election in view of the above for people of the Ideato Federal Constituency and our role in it as a people in terms of who will represent us at the Green Chamber of National Assembly in 2027.
This election may be the last election that will be conducted under the Ideato Federal Constituency before we migrate by the special grace of God to IDEATO SENATORIAL ZONE under the new ANIM State consideration with two or three federal constituencies emerging from the present ideato federal constituency.
From what my eyes saw at the mountain top of just concluded APC Convention of our great party, l want to agree with my brother and friend Dr. Ezenwa, Oderiri, Ọnụta Ọkara Mba Ideato nation that Abuja will play a major role in determining who emerges as the flag bearer of our great party APC for 2027. Yes, that seems to be playing out, given his analysis and permutations. But unlike APC National and Presidential context, where we are yet to know who will contest with the formidable incumbent President Tinubu; Ideato federal constituency is different.
While APC is still grapling with so many aspirants and who may or may not be the candidate, the opposition APP already has a candidate except for those with the illusion and hope of deregistration of the party APP. In my view, we should rather concentrate on producing a capable, rugged, popular, and acceptable candidate in his or her own right to match the candidate of APP toe to toe, boot by boot and ward by ward rather than waiting for Douglas House and Abuja; and yes we can.
As of now, l am not aware of anyone, from the numerous aspirants in our great party APC who is ACTUALLY doing what it takes towards clinching the ticket for 2027 election based on the activities on the ground except for WhatsApp snap shots. Most ASPIRANTS are secretly consulting underground. Unfortunately, there is nothing secretive about their consultations, nor does it hold waters, from what we have gathered. All are outdoing each other before the governor every step of the way. Honestly, it is sometimes nauseating. There are also those who are selling themselves as Abuja, sure banker, and an anointed Imo defacto candidate. One wonders what happens to the rest when eventually one of them is chosen as is bound to happen.
The issue of turn by turn is no longer an issue. ALL APC aspirants believe that they will not only be anointed but they will also be delivered by the annointer. That’s why they have folded their hands waiting without making commensurate necessary efforts towards securing the ticket. Absolutely counterproductive. Incidentally, there is no time.
Finally, l make bold to say without fear of contradiction based on experience and my little understanding of Ideato politics that, the candidate or candidates in this consequential election with the track record of grassroot support base, community, ward and local government engagement outreach, as well as emotional connection with the people stand a better chance regardless of the imagined connections to State and National.
Ideato nation voters will prioritize candidates with grassroot support who understand their needs, listen to their concerns, and are ready to offer tangible solutions.
Relying too heavily on external connections or influence might not be enough to secure victory, especially if the opposition has strong local roots and a compelling message with mass appeal.
