BY CONSTANCE EKE, RALPH EJIMKONYE
There is confusion in the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Imo State, as two candidates emerged as flag-bearers of the party for the October 31 Okigwe Senate bye election.
It was observed that two factions which exist in the party conducted parallel primaries and produced the two candidates.
However, the Marcel Nlemigbo led Caretaker Committee backed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, is recognized by the national leadership of the party and INEC, as the authentic leadership of Imo APC, thus will have its candidate on the ballot on October 31 Okigwe senate bye election.
Results announced by Senator Ajibola Bashiru who conducted the Primary for the Nlemigbo caretaker committee, returned Frank Ibezim as winner of the primaries with 13, 637 votes.
The results released by the commitee are as follows:
* Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume-2708
* Sen. Athan Acholonu-1185
* Hon. Matthew Omegara-2826
* Hon. Mark Uchendu- 1428
* Chief Eze Okoro- 54
*Bright Nwachukwu- 64
* Chief Chikwe Onuoha- 1466
*Hon. Frank Ibeziem- 13, 637.
In a related development, the Daniel Nwafor faction of the party backed by Senator Rochas Okorocha returned Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as winner of the primary and candidate of the party for Okigwe senate bye election.
Araraume was declared winner by Umar Gana Nguma, Chairman APC Primary Election Commitee.
Araraume polled 22, 944 votes followed by Chidinma Uwajumuogu who polled 3,757 votes who came second.
According to him, other candidates scored the following: Mark Uchenduu 1877, Frank Ibezim, 1, 216 and Athan Achonu 934 votes.
Matthew Omegara 698, Acho Ihim 212, Bright Nwachukwu 126, Eze Okoro 53and Uchenna Uchewuba 51 votes.
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