‎Uzodimma Charges Imo APC Aspirants on Loyalty, Discipline Ahead of Primaries

‎Uzodimma Charges Imo APC Aspirants on Loyalty, Discipline Ahead of Primaries
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‎E-ISSN:2354-4481
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‎By Rita Onuoha
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‎Governor Hope Uzodimma has called on aspirants seeking tickets for the Senate, House of Representatives, and Imo State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress to uphold loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice as the party prepares for its primaries.
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‎The governor made the call during a meeting with aspirants, party leaders, and stakeholders held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri. He described politics as “not a lottery but a game of courage,” stressing that while some aspirants would emerge victorious, others would not.
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‎Uzodimma urged all contestants to remain committed to the party before, during, and after the primaries, warning against desperation and actions capable of undermining party unity. According to him, loyalty to the party remains fundamental to the sustenance of partisan democracy.
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‎Speaking further, the governor emphasized the need to respect zoning arrangements and principles of equity within the party. He disclosed that the APC would adopt the Option A4 voting system during the primaries to ensure transparency and eliminate allegations of bias or favoritism.
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‎“We do not want Imo State to go back to Egypt,” the governor stated, while appealing to party faithful to place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions.
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‎The Imo State Chairman of the APC, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity, reconciliation, and electoral success ahead of future elections. He noted that the State Executive Committee had initiated measures aimed at repositioning the party for greater efficiency, harmony, and service delivery.
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‎Onyedebelu acknowledged that grievances had emerged from previous party exercises but assured members that reconciliation mechanisms had already been activated to foster understanding and strengthen internal cohesion within the party.
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‎He also commended Governor Uzodimma for approving the construction of a new state-of-the-art APC secretariat in Imo State, describing the project as a lasting legacy that would further consolidate the party’s structure and presence in the state.
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‎Senators Osita Izunaso, Patrick Ndubueze, and Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who spoke on behalf of Senate aspirants, pledged their support for the party’s laid-down guidelines and reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC leadership at both the state and national levels.
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‎Also speaking at the meeting were Rt. Hon. Miriam Onuoha and Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, who represented aspirants for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly respectively, as well as Prince Lemmy Akakem, who spoke on behalf of party leaders. They all pledged to abide by and support whatever decisions the party takes in the overall interest of the APC.
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‎Among dignitaries present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former Deputy Governors Lady Ada Okwuonu, Prof. Placid Njoku, and Sir Jude Agbaso, as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie.
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‎Other attendees included party stakeholders, members of the State Expanded Executive Council, Local Government Council Chairmen, aspirants, and other APC leaders from across the state.
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