The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday released the list of governorship candidates in Imo State missing out the name of the candidate representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The electoral umpire published 67 governorship candidates and their respective running mates alongside their credentials and personal information at its office in Owerri, the state capital.
Among the top names who made the INEC lists are a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha of the People’s Democratic Party, Ike Ibe of the Independent Party and a former Senator, Ifeanyi Araraume of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Others are, Michael Ikoku of the Young Democratic Party, Linus Okorie of the Young Progressives Party and Alloysius Osuji of Mass Action Joint Alliance.
Three women emerged as governorship candidates. They are, Omeogu Chidiebere of the African Action Congress, Joy Udodiri of MMN and Adaku Ibe of the Democratic Peoples Party.
A source at the INEC office attributed the inability of INEC to publish the name of APC governorship candidate to conflicting court orders stopping the Commission from publishing any name as the governorship candidate of the APC in the state.
Uche Nwosu and Senator Hope Uzodinma have been battling, both in court and within the party for who should be its candidate.
While Nwosu was declared the winner of the October 6 APC governorship primary, Uzodinma was pronounced winner of the October 1 primary.