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  • LP House of Reps Caucus, party clash over national convention

    LP House of Reps Caucus, party clash over national convention

    The Labour Party (LP) has lashed out at its House of Representatives caucus members for calling for the suspension of the party’s planned national convention.

    The party warned the lawmakers elected on its platform to respect its supremacy or risk disciplinary action.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the LP said the lawmakers have failed to be true ambassadors of the people since they were elected into the Green Chamber.

    The proposed national convention slated for March 27 in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has pitched the party against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the party’s supporters, and its elected lawyers.

    The NLC and some supporters of LP’s presidential candidate in last year’s general election, Mr. Peter Obi, have called for the sack of the party’s National Chairman Julius Abure for planning to hold a national convention without the input of major stakeholders.

    In a statement by its Political Commission, the NLC called for the suspension of the planned convention and the setting up of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate convention.

    The statement sparked a row between the NLC and LP, with Abure asking Ajaero to resign and contest for the position of chairman.

    Abure noted that Ajaero’s “interference and rascality were beginning to choke the party”.

    But responding to the lawmakers, the LP said: “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to a statement made by the Labour Party Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, to the effect that it is unconventional to conduct our convention before state, local government and ward congresses.

    “By this statement from Ogene, it is pertinent to point out that he is very unknowledgeable as it relates to the provision of the constitution of the party under which he was elected.

    “We had expected, even though he is coming from the background of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), he should not mistake the APC and PDP constitutions to that of the Labour Party. We would like to educate him to note that as the other parties’ constitutions are different, so is the Labour Party.

    “In line with Article 15:1-4 of our party’s constitution, there is no equality of tenure. While the ward, local government, and state executives have three years tenure, the national executive has four years tenure.

    “As at the moment, party executives in over 16 states are subsisting because they have conducted their congresses. We had expected Ogene to read the constitution of the party before making public comments against the party.

    “The Leader of the Caucus is the alter ego of the party who should defend the party policy and programmes in the National Assembly. And for him to say that the House of Representatives caucus was not informed about the convention is clearly a mischief taken too far.

    Read Also: House of Reps to investigate performance of PPP, concession agreements

    “For the records, the House of Representatives, through the Caucus Leader, was duly informed about the coming convention. We are aghast at the kind of politics Ogene has chosen to play. It is, therefore, very unhealthy for him to rush to the press to misinform our members.

    “We had expected him to be a liaison between the party leadership and the National Assembly and as a leader he claims to be to help in ensuring that peace reigns in the party at all times.

    “We are also shocked that members of the House of Representatives elected under the Labour Party are always quick to rush to the media whenever we make major decisions. This is against the background that they have never risen to the occasion as members of the Labour Party in the House who are supposed to be the voice of the people and speak truth to power, in spite of the numerous challenges the country is going through.

    “Again, considering the sacrifices made by Nigerians in electing these Labour Party legislators, we had expected them to be the ambassadors of the people. It appears that they sit at the National Assembly for themselves alone. It is obvious that it is only when it concerns the party that they flex muscles.

    “They need not be told of the persecution the party leadership has been undergoing in the hands of the government in power as a result of their election into offices and, yet, they have no qualms in bringing the party to opprobrium at any given opportunity.

    “We, therefore, advise our lawmakers to desist from rushing to the press on party matters. Party internal matters must remain and keep internal matters. The party will not hesitate to discipline any party member who will not respect the supremacy of the party. The party is prepared to defend its ideology and constitution at all times, irrespective of whose ox is gored.

    “Finally, we want to assure our party members that the leadership is continuing with our consultations with stakeholders at all levels to ensure that a free, fair, and rancour-free convention is held.”

  • LP aspirant vows to create wealth

    LP aspirant vows to create wealth

    Labour Party (LP) aspirant for the September governorship election in Edo State, Tom Iseghohi, has promised to create and bring massive investments to the state, if elected as governor.

    He said with the abundant human and natural resources available in the state, citizens have no business being poor.

    Iseghohi, addressing reporters after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms at the LP national secretariat in Abuja, said: “In Edo State, we have several issues we shouldn’t be having. Today, we have a huge problem with security, we have economic problem, we have a problem with the rule of law.

    Read Also: Call for probe of N3.5b party funds: LP suspends National Treasurer Opara for six months

    “Edo State has five million people, we have more resources than Singapore, yet our per capital income is $2,000, while in Singapore, it is $74,000. I will make Edo State a logistics hub to create employment and capital with that within three years; Edo will be economically transformed and developed. There will be infrastructural development and the people will have income. Jobs will be created in Edo State; there will be safety and security.”

  • Edo 2024: APC, LP aspirants intensify campaigns

    Edo 2024: APC, LP aspirants intensify campaigns

    • Arhiavbere, Akpata, Idahosa, Agbohmere market pro

    Ahead of the September 21 Edo State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), has said he has what it takes to collapse the structures of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

    He told reporters at the APC national secretariat in Abuja after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms that the party needs a candidate with the capacity to face incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki’s election train and any other political party.

    “The governor took our mandate to PDP, so  we are ready to take it from him. The man with the capacity must face him to make sure we return this mandate to the APC. This why I’m in the race.

    “I can assure you that I have the capacity and I can collapse structures in PDP and even in the L abour Party to add to what we already have in APC.

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    “We are going to work to make sure APC presents the best candidate, and I can assure you the best is the one standing right before you (journalists).

    “This is why I have said in my slogan that it’s my turn,” Airhiavbere said.

    According to the former Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), “Edo South has the highest voting strength of about 58 per cent; two local governments in Edo South will swallow Edo Central. The voting strength of Ikpoba Okha and Egor will swallow the whole of Edo Central.

    “Edo North as at today has the minister back to back – Etsako East produced Clement Agba; Etsako East also produced the current minister, Abubakar Momoh, an engineer. The Speaker today in Edo State House of Assembly is from Edo North. Our leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is from Edo North.”

    Airhiavbere added: “You don’t give what you don’t have – if you don’t have a daughter, you can’t give her out in marriage. Edo South is where the battleground is.”

    A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has said he is not a mole, agent, place-holder or surrogate of Governor Obaseki of the PDP in the LP in Edo State.

    He said the opposition LP was the party of choice in Edo, with many people joining the party on a daily basis in the state and other parts of Nigeria, in view of its being people-centred.

    Akpata, an indigene of Benin Kingdom, who is a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of LP, spoke yesterday in Benin at an interactive session with reporters.

    He assured people that he would emerge victorious at the February 22 primary election and September 21 governorship poll.

    The governorship aspirant, who had practised Law for 30 years, said with his integrity, maturity, excellence and track record of impressive performance, especially as NBA’s president, there was no way he could be the sponsor of Sunday’s protest by some LP members at Edo secretariat of the party in Benin, and earlier attack on the National Youth Leader of LP, Anslem Eragbe, in Benin.

    He said attempts to smear his character, by linking him to acts that he had no knowledge of or involved in, would certainly fail.

    The governorship aspirant said he had confidence in the discerning wisdom of members of the LP, Edo people and indeed Nigerians to reject all forms of violence, propaganda and deceit, stressing that united in diversity, a greater Edo State would be built.

    A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has described himself as clean, and the man to beat during the February 17 primary election.

    He hailed the national leadership of APC for finding him worthy to be among the four of the 29 governorship aspirants that were recommended to vie in the party’s primaries.

    The youthful Idahosa, who is also the representative of Ovia constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, spoke yesterday during an interactive session with reporters at the secretariat of Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin.

    Besides Idahosa, the three other outstanding and recommended governorship aspirants, who also won their units, wards and local governments during the 2023 general election are former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen; ex-Edo Chairman of APC, Col. David Imuse (rtd.) and the representative of Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Monday Okpekholo.

    Idahosa said; “I am performing excellently as the representative of Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and by God’s grace, I will extend the impressive performance to all the 18 local governments of Edo State. I am optimistic of emerging victorious during APC’s primary election on February 17 and the main poll on September 21, to succeed Governor Obaseki on November 12.”

    A governorship aspirant in the February 17 APC shadow election, Dr, Blessings Agbohmere, has said that he is full of ideas to move the state forward by enthroning good governance and improving people’s welfare.

    He made this known yesterday to reporters at the APC national secretariat in Abuja shortly after submitting his N50million expression of interest and nomination forms for the party’s ticket for the forthcoming Edo governorship election slated for September 21.

    Agbohmere said his priority, if elected as Edo’s next governor, would be infrastructural development, good and accessible health care, improved security, agriculture and education, among others.

  • Edo election: LP to begin sale of nomination forms Jan 25

    Edo election: LP to begin sale of nomination forms Jan 25

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of Labour party (LP) has approved the commencement of sale, submission of expression of interest and nomination forms for Edo election from Jan. 25 to Feb. 11, 2024.

    This is contained in a communiqué sent by Mr Obiora Ifoh, LP National Publicity Secretary, on Wednesday in Abuja, after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.

    Ifoh said that LP has also exempted female aspirants from paying for expression of interest form only.

    He said: “Arising from the meeting of the NWC of the Labour Party under the chairmanship of Julius Abure, the leadership of the party took a far reaching decision on the Edo election.

    “This is with regards to the guidelines for the conduct of congress and primaries to elect candidates for  the Edo gubernatorial election.

    “They include: the NWC’s approval of  sale of forms to all interested aspirants from the state who are Nigerians or resident in the state.

    “NWC approved that the fees for expression of interest shall be five million naira only (N5,000.000.00) while the nomination form shall be twenty five million naira only (N25,000.000.00).

    Ifoh added that the NWC approved indirect primary elections, wherein ward and local government congresses shall hold to elect the party’s flag bearers.

    He said that the NWC also approved Feb. 14 for screening of aspirants; Feb. 22 for primary election and Feb. 23 for resolution of dispute or appeal arising from the primaries, if any.

    The LP spokesman said that the NWC appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which carried out its verification duty, and commended the leadership of the party for complying with INEC’s rules and regulations.

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    He said the NWC passed a vote of confidence on its National Chairman, Julius Abure, for effectively piloting the affairs of the party and giving it a proper direction.

    “The NWC noted the milestone the party achieved in the recent general election where it won one governorship, seven Senate, 34 House of Representatives and numerous State House of Assembly seats.

    It regretted that the number depleted after losing some seats through the courts while also hoping to gain more seats in the coming days through rerun elections.’’

    Ifoh said that the NWC also pledged its loyalty to the party’s national leader and its 2023 presidential election candidate, Mr Peter Obi, for his commitment to the party, in spite of the electoral challenges.

    (NAN) 

  • LP factions hold parallel primaries for Ebonyi South by-election

    LP factions hold parallel primaries for Ebonyi South by-election

    Two factions of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State have held parallel primaries producing two candidates for Ebonyi South by-election. 

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Linus Okorie, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, emerged as candidate from the first primary election. 

    A 60-year-old  businessman,  Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, emerged from the second primary election reportedly held at an unknown location in the state.

    Okorie had in the 2023 general election contested for the same senatorial seat, but lost to the former governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, who later resigned to become the Minister of Works.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    He emerged as the winner in the primaries held at Amuro/Mgbom Community Primary School field, Afikpo North Local Government, the headquarters of the senatorial district.

    The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Ayo Olorufemi, who declared Okorie as the winner, said three aspirants participated in the primary election.

    He noted that Okorie won with 40 votes, defeating Nwabueze Ogo Eze, who polled 10 votes, while Fred Okereke scored seven votes.

    Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, a hotel proprietor in Abakaliki, polled 50 votes out of 57 to emerge as a consensus candidate, and Linus Okorie got four votes. 

    The Returning Officer, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwibo,  thanked the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the primaries. 

    In his acceptance speech, Nwabueze expressed gratitude to God for his victory, stressing that he was prepared to represent Ebonyi South if elected on February 3. 

  • PDP, LP in battle over opposition role

    PDP, LP in battle over opposition role

    • ‘LP lacks basis to claim top spot’

    Leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) yesterday disagreed over which is the main opposition platform.

    Presidential candidate of the LP in last year’s general election, Mr. Peter Obi drew the ire of the PDP with his claim in his New Year message in which he rates the LP ahead of it.

    The former governor of Anambra State said the party will continue to adjust to its new role as the main opposition party. 

    But, objecting to LP’s claim to a superior opposition status, PDP leaders said LP was day dreaming and evading reality. 

    While PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest) Kamoru Ajisafe berated the LP for a shortfall in objectivity, its former governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) said LP’s claim lacked substance.

    Former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi said LP’s claim was absurd and laughable. 

    According to the results of the presidential, governorship and parliamentary elections announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), LP came third. It trailed the PDP which was defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Obi and the LP, despite coming third, challenged the result declared by INEC before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), claiming that it won. It took the matter to the Supreme Court, but lost at both levels.

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    In his statement, Obi said the nation must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state.

    He said: “We in Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a new Nigeria that is possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward.

    “Our collective role in nation building remains fundamental and obligatory.

    Reflecting on the outcome of the elections, he said it is on record that it was contested in the court, which made the final pronouncement. 

    Obi added: “I wish to thank members of the Labour Party, the Obidient Family, friends and well-wishers of Nigeria for their loyalty, resilience, tenacity and commitment to true democracy.

    “We will continue ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to our new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party.

    “We will continue to constructively engage all Nigerians and our friends, who have now realised the vast implications of the road not taken; and the folly of national interest decisions predicated on sentiments and primordial interests.”

    Taking exception to Obi’s claim to number one position for LP in the opposition, Ajisafe said the claim lacked basis. 

    He said: “I don’t know what basis they will claim to be the main opposition party when PDP has more spread than Labour Party in terms of governors, senators, House of Representatives members. What basis?

    “Labour Party has not even been criticising the government as a group or as a party, except what Obi and his running mate are doing individually.”

    The Southwest PDP leader said the LP claim lacked justification at a time the party is seriously battling with intra-party crisis arising from disputation over its national chairmanship. 

    Ajisafe stressed: “The activities of the PDP are not hidden. You can see the activities of our party and individuals in PDP. They are playing their opposition roles well. By March, it will become clearer. 

    “There is a limit to how you can manipulate the system. Labour Party does not have the strength to claim the number one position in the opposition. Where is their evidence? 

    “Labour Party does not enjoy the same spread that PDP enjoys. Labour Party is having leadership problem. Who is their national chairman? It is a contentious issue. There is no division in the PDP. But Labour Party is in court with its national leadership.”

    Jegede, who is a top stalwart from Ondo State, said Obi’s claim amounted to wishful thinking. 

    He said: “You said they are claiming to be the main opposition party. Anybody can claim. Everybody knows who is the main opposition party. It is us the PDP and not the Labour Party.”

    Odeyemi chided Obi for regression into absurdity, saying that he made a false claim.

    He said: “It is very absurd for the Labour Party that is just finding its way on the political scene to call itself the main opposition party in Nigeria. It is even laughable for Labour Party, which hardly controls a state, unlike the PDP which has many senators, House of Representatives members and governors, to call itself the main opposition party.”

    Odeyemi added: “PDP is the main opposition party. Labour Party should stop being radical unnecessarily and give support to the main opposition party instead of laying claim.”

  • By-election: LP pegs Senate form at N3.5m, Reps N2m, Assembly N500,000

    By-election: LP pegs Senate form at N3.5m, Reps N2m, Assembly N500,000

    • Party warns against patronising fraudsters

    The Labour Party (LP) has released the timetable and the schedule of activities for the February 3, 2024 by-elections.

    The party’s action followed the release of the timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on by-elections across the country.

    LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) pegged the expression of interest and nomination forms for the Senate at N1.5 million and N3.5 million; House of Representatives at N1 million and N2 million; House of Assembly at N100,000 and N500,000.

    The party’s National Secretary Umar Ibrahim said the purchase of nomination, expression of interest and delegates’ forms would hold between December 28 and January 4, 2023, while the submission of the completed forms would end on January 4, 2024. 

    The party said the primary elections would hold on January 7, 2024.

    Read Also: By-election: LP pegs Senate form at N3.5m, Reps N2m, Assembly N500k

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP exempted female aspirants and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from paying the fees for the expression of interest forms only.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the leadership of the party has also been drawn to a fake timetable in circulation, released by some expelled fraudulent former members of our party, seeking to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money through sales of fake forms.

    “Just like they did and failed in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states’ governorship elections, where some people fell into their trap and were defrauded, we wish to state clearly that the timetable from these fraudsters did not emanate from the Labour Party and that the so-called account number in circulation is not known to the party. We warn that people should disregard the fraudulent group.”

    “The forms for the by-election can be obtained at the office of the National Organising Secretary at the LP national headquarters at 2 IBM Haruna Street, Utako, Abuja, where the proper accounts belonging to the party and other vital information regarding the coming elections will be made available to the aspirants and members of the public…”

  • Imo Guber: APC, LP clash over alleged CTC forgery

    Imo Guber: APC, LP clash over alleged CTC forgery

    • Labour Party insists results collated from PU

    The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate , Senator Athan Achonu  of  presenting a forged Certified True Copy (CTC) of INEC BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) document at the ongoing inspection of voting materials at the INEC office in Owerri.

    The APC agents who discovered the alleged false document, said the ill-fated attempt by the LP to present a false document as a Certified True Copy of the BVAS  was brought to light during the inspection of the CTC at the commission’s headquarters, Owerri.

    They said the LP action was a clear violation of the court order that granted them access to inspect the CTC.

    Confirming this to newsmen at the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC headquarters,  along Port Harcourt Road,  Owerri,  the Director General, Imo State Data Management Centre and a member of  APC team,  Terence Onyejiaku,  said they were at the commission to inspect the election materials as the court ordered for the opposition parties.

    “We came to observe the inspection of the election materials as the court ordered for the opposition parties that are challenging the result of the governorship election at the tribunal.

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    “We have inspected 13 local government areas out of the 27 LGAs, and INEC has shown us the entirety of the BVAs machines of the 27 LGAs, we will complete the remaining 14 LGAs.”

    “When we started,  the Labour Party team sought to use a false document that they purported was the Certified True Copy of BVAs report, but they could not go through because INEC did not admit it,”  Onyejiaku claimed.

    He also added “It is alarming to see the desperate moves of LP and Senator Athan Achonu, as they attempt to deceive the people of Imo State and tarnish the integrity of the electoral process.

    “Imolites must condemn these actions in one voice and stand against any form of manipulation or deceit in the political landscape of the state. It is imperative that the LP adheres to the rule of law and respect the democratic process, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics to achieve their political ambitions.

    “At this point, LP must understand that the state has transitioned to the governance phase, and the time for politicking and manipulation has passed.

    ” The people have spoken through the ballot, and the declared winner of the governorship election, Governor Hope Uzodimma, deserves to be respected and supported in his efforts to lead the state.

    ” LP’s attempt to undermine INEC and the legitimate winner of the election is not only unethical but also a disservice to the people of Imo State.

    “Instead of engaging in a futile attempt to smear the integrity of INEC and the elected governor, LP and her candidate should desist from desperate and unlawful acts aimed at scoring cheap points and gaining popularity.

    ” It is evident that the people of Imo State have rejected the party and its candidate long before now, and their deceitful actions will only further alienate them from the electorate. It is time for LP to accept the will of the people and contribute positively to the development and progress of Imo State, rather than resorting to dishonest and fraudulent practices,” Onyejiaku stated.

    Reacting, the state publicist of Labour Party, LP,  Bright Offurum, insisted that the results  presented by the party were the results collated at the polling units level.

    “The results we presented were the results we collated from the polling units.  We are saying that let us have access to the election materials from where you said you declared the results from, simple.”

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the parties would complete inspecting the election materials in the remaining  local government areas on Tuesday.

    INEC spokesperson in the  state, Dr. Godlight MaryAnn who disclosed this yesterday  said “the inspection is going on fine and will be completed on Tuesday.”

  • BREAKING: Appeal Court dismisses LP, Gbadebo’s appeals, affirms Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat’s victory

    BREAKING: Appeal Court dismisses LP, Gbadebo’s appeals, affirms Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat’s victory

    The State and National Assembly Appeal Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed the appeal of the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour against the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the validly elected winner of the March 18 election for the Office of the Governor of Lagos State.

    The court held: “The decision of the lower court is affirmed and the appeal is dismissed.”

    It held unanimously that the lower tribunal was correct to hold that Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat were qualified to contest, contrary to the claims of the LP and Gbadebo.

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    The justices held: “No case of renunciation of citizenship has been established by the LP and Gbadebo against the 3rd respondent (Hamzat) in accordance with the constitution.

    “No evidence of oath of allegiance to the United States and renunciation of Nigerian citizenship was placed before the tribunal (by the LP and Gbadebo) –

    “No document to prove that 3rd respondent (Hamzat) was no longer a citizen of Nigeria. It is incumbent on the appellants (LP, Gbadebo) to prove their claim.”

    Details shortly…

  • APC southeast leaders to PDP, LP, others: join hands with Uzodimma to develop Imo

    APC southeast leaders to PDP, LP, others: join hands with Uzodimma to develop Imo

    The leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southeast have enjoined opposition parties and candidates in the just concluded governorship election in Imo state to join hands with Governor Hope Uzodimma to develop the state.

    Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who is also the zonal chairman of the APC, called on the candidates of the opposition parties to congratulate the governor in the spirit of sportsmanship and join hands to develop the state.

    He described the re-election of Governor Uzodimma for a second term in office as an indication that the people of the region are desirous to key into the national politics to accelerate development in the zone.

    Ijeomah noted that the Uzodimma broke a jinx of winning polling units in the Imo government house as a sitting Governor and defeated other candidates in their local government areas.

    He appealed to those who contested the governorship election with Governor Uzodimma not to distract him by going to court.

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    Ijeoma commended the people of Imo state for what he described as taking a bold step to re-elect Governor Uzodimma and assured them of more developmental projects that the reelection of Uzodimma would attract.

    He was optimistic that APC would win more states in the Southeast, adding the governors from the zone have seen the need to key into national politics.

    He noted: “More importantly we should all rejoice and celebrate the resounding victory of Governor Uzodimma.”

    Also in a separate press briefing in Owerri, the Imo Progressives Movement (IPM) said the victory of the governor shows that the Imo people are desirous of peace and unity.

    The IPM national convener/facilitator and member, House of Representatives, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu said in Owerri that the victory was Imo people’s desire for a peaceful, united, and more prosperous state.

    He noted: “His victory across the 27 LGAs is a testament to Imo people’s genuine desire for a peaceful, united and more prosperous state.”

    He commended the governor for the maturity he displayed throughout the electioneering period, “even in the face of the provocations, set-ups, and landmines, Governor Uzodimma maintained civility, political maturity, and statesmanship in steering the Imo affairs.”

    He appealed to other political parties and candidates who participated in the election to embrace patriotism and display the attitude of true sportsmen.

    Dibiagwu stated: “They should not see electoral defeat as the end of their desire to make an impact or contribute to the growth of our state.”