Candidates and aspirants who participated in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Imo State have passed a vote of confidence in the exercise, describing it as credible, transparent, and reflective of internal democracy, while pledging to work together to deliver victory for all APC candidates and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made on Monday at a post-primary stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri.
Addressing party leaders, candidates, and former aspirants, Uzodimma congratulated the APC on the successful conduct of its congresses and primaries and urged members to put the contests behind them in the interest of party unity.
He stressed that while every election produces winners and losers, members must remain committed to the collective interest of the party and the development of the state.
“There is no contest without winners and losers. What is important is how we conduct ourselves after the contest. We must remain united because the interest of Imo State and our party is bigger than any individual ambition,” the governor said.
Uzodimma called on party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and voter registration efforts ahead of 2027, expressing confidence that the APC would record overwhelming victories in the state.
“I have assured Mr President, on behalf of Imo people, that we will work hard to ensure he wins overwhelmingly in Imo State,” he added.
Earlier, the Imo State APC Chairman, Austin Onyedebelu, commended members for their peaceful conduct during the direct primaries, describing the exercise as evidence of the political maturity of party members.
He congratulated successful candidates and urged those who did not secure tickets to remain loyal to the APC, noting that politics is a journey and that future opportunities remain open to committed party members.
Onyedebelu also praised Governor Uzodimma for providing the leadership that ensured the success of the primaries and called on members to collapse all structures built during the primaries into the APC ahead of the general elections.
In a major show of unity, the APC senatorial candidate for Imo East, Chief Alex Mbata, declared that all participants had resolved to close ranks and work for the success of the party.
Mbata commended the state APC leadership for providing a level playing field and conducting a transparent process, stressing that those who willingly participated in the primaries should respect the outcome.
“We have to deliver our President. We have to deliver all APC candidates. That work requires unity from all of us. We must remain united,” he said.
Mbata also lauded Governor Uzodimma for his leadership and commitment to internal democracy.
Former Imo East senatorial aspirant, Chijioke Cadoru, endorsed the outcome of the primaries and pledged support for Mbata and all APC candidates, assuring stakeholders that aspirants from the zone had resolved to work together for the party’s victory.
Similarly, Princess Gloria Akobundu, an aspirant for the Imo North Senatorial ticket, expressed confidence in the process and commended the state APC leadership for conducting a peaceful, successful, and rancour-free primary election.
The meeting ended with a unanimous pledge by stakeholders, candidates, and former aspirants to remain united and mobilise support for APC candidates at all levels, including President Tinubu, in the 2027 general elections.
