By Collins Opurozor
It is both shocking and deeply disappointing to see my dear brother and good friend, Comrade Chinonso Theodore Uba (Nonsonkwa), fall into the trap of sensationalism and media overzealousness.
His recent outburst against the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, is nothing short of a misinformed and misguided attempt to undermine the clear and constitutional provisions of the APC regarding the consensus method for selecting candidates.
First and foremost, let us set the record straight: Comrade Nonsonkwa is not, and has never been, a member of the APC. For him to question the internal democratic processes of a party to which he does not belong is both audacious and most inappropriate.
It appears that his overreach stems from a desire to create unnecessary tension and confusion among the good people of Imo State, but his efforts are in vain.
The APC constitution, which is binding on all members, clearly provides for consensus as a legitimate method for the selection of candidates. This is not an arbitrary decision, but a democratic tool that has been embraced by the party at both the national and state levels.
It is a process that promotes unity, fosters inclusivity and prevents the acrimony that often accompanies divisive primaries. The consensus arrangement is not only constitutional but also in the best interest of the party and its members.
What is more curious, however, is that Nonsonkwa’s criticism seems to stem from an unquenchable desire to join the APC himself. Reliable sources have authoritatively confirmed that Nonsonkwa has been making overtures to join the party, albeit through the back door.
This is not the behavior of a principled politician or a true democrat. If the Mbaitoli-born radioman wants to join the APC, let him do so openly, with respect for the party’s constitution and processes, rather than resorting to cheap tactics of blackmail and disinformation.
Furthermore, Nonsonkwa’s queer claim that the National Youth Alliance (NYA) Imo State chapter, of which he claims to be the State Chairman, is representing the interests of Imo youths is a complete fallacy.
The NYA, as it stands, is nothing more than a figment of his imagination, a non-existent organization being appropriated to pursue his personal political ambitions. In short, since 2019, Nonsonkwa has twice fruitlessly stood for elections in two different political parties. This briefcase organization is only another engineless vehicle to drive his quest for power.
Imo youths are wise and discerning; they will not be swayed by the antics of an individual who is clearly more interested in self-promotion than in the genuine welfare of the people.
It is important to remind Comrade Nonsonkwa and others like him that the APC is a party governed by rules, laws and a commitment to democracy. The consensus arrangement is not only lawful but a reflection of the collective will of party members, who understand that unity and cohesion are the bedrock of electoral success.
To dismiss this process as “unlawful” or “undemocratic” is not only a blatant disregard for the truth but a direct attack on the values of democracy itself.
Nonsonkwa should desist from this unwarranted assault on the transformational leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Game-Changer, and the leadership of the APC. If he truly cares about the progress of Imo State and its people, let Nonsonkwa channel his energies towards constructive engagement rather than this politics of “gbunga-gbunga”.
The administration of Governor Uzodimma remains committed to serving the people of Imo State, and it will not be distracted by the antics of those who seek to derail this historic mission. The consensus arrangement is here to stay, and it will continue to serve the best interests of the party and the people it represents.
It is time for Comrade Nonsonkwa to rethink his approach, drop the façade and embrace the values of true democracy. Anything less would continue to present him as a political courtyard jester.
*Collins Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media
