Uzodimma secures Imo APC governorship ticket unopposed

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state.

Uzodimma was the sole contender in the primary that took place on Friday in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

Williams Kayoda, chairman of the primary election committee, said the governor polled 63,618 votes to win the exercise.

He said a total of 64,667 delegates from the 305 wards in 27 LGAs of the state were accredited for the poll.

“During our short stay, we appointed ward and local government area committees for the purposes of the election,” he said.

“My mandate was to follow democratic principles, ensure that it is constitutional, legitimate, morally supported and legally binding.

“In line with that mandate, we have conducted the primary election through direct primary in all the 27 local government areas.”

Kayoda described the exercise as peaceful, rancour-free and hitch-free.

In an acceptance speech, Uzodimma thanked the delegates and party faithful for the confidence reposed in him.

“The victory of today’s event is a victory dedicated to God almighty and a victory that I will cherish for a long time,” he said.

“For me, I see it as a mark of confidence from the members of our great party and the entire Imo people at large.

“Looking back, you will agree with me that from where we met Imo state in 2020 and where we are in 2023, there is a huge difference.

“If that is what touched your heart to challenge me to continue, I assure you that I will do my best not to betray this confidence you have reposed in me.

“I pray that God almighty will give me the courage, wisdom, knowledge, and resources to take Imo to its destination.

“When you go home, pray for me. The Imo you see today would have been three times better, if not for the huge money we spent fighting insecurity, but God almighty has intervened.

“Going forward, we will double our speed.”

The Imo state governorship poll will take place on November 11.