Imo North APC Senate Primary: Three Former Aspirants Deny Forced Withdrawal Claims, Affirm Voluntary Step-Down for Ndubueze
E-ISSN:2354-4481
By Williams Chuks Nzekwe
OWERRI — Three former aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo North have dismissed reports alleging that they were pressured to withdraw from the race, insisting that their exit was voluntary and politically strategic.
The aspirants — Chief Longers Anyanwu, Hon. Gloria Akobundu, and Kennedy Ike Odoeme — clarified that their decision to step down was not influenced by coercion, but was made in line with internal party considerations and zoning understandings within the senatorial district.
They maintained that their withdrawal was a deliberate political choice aimed at consolidating support for the incumbent senator, Patrick Ndubueze, whom they said enjoyed broad backing within the party structure.
Addressing a press briefing in Owerri, the trio rejected circulating claims of intimidation or forced withdrawal, stressing that no aspirant was coerced out of the contest before the primary election.
They further argued that the primary election process was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner, noting that APC members across Imo North participated freely and in large numbers without interference or disruption.
The former aspirants also emphasized that the exercise reflected the democratic values of the party, adding that the outcome of the primary was legitimate and duly announced by the returning officer appointed by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress.
They concluded by reaffirming their support for party unity in Imo North, urging stakeholders to avoid narratives capable of creating tension within the party ahead of future political engagements.
