One of the aspirants in the just concluded Imo State governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, on Wednesday congratulated the winner, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In a statement by Barrister Ihejirika Emeka, deputy director general of his campaign organisation, Senator Achonu who said the interest of the party is paramount and should be considered at all times, cautioned that the PDP should avoid debilitating ills such as money politics, impositions, lack of internal democracy and other issues capable of affecting it’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
He, therefore, wished Ihedioha and the party well in “this great quest to free our people from APC maladministration and misrule.”
Ihedioha emerged winner of the PDP primaries in Imo polling 1,723 votes to defeat the senator representing Imo East senatorial zone, Samuel Anyanwu, who came second with 1,282 votes.
Chairman of the primaries committee, Emma Nwala, who announced the result commended the party faithful for being peaceful throughout the exercise.
“I am most grateful to all security personnel for their commitment to the security of lives and materials all through the night and till this morning. Also, I thank all aspirants, delegates and officials for conducting themselves properly.
“With the power vested in me as returning officer, I hereby declare Emeka Ihedioha the winner and flag bearer of the PDP in Imo for the 2019 governorship election,” he said.
The exercise which was originally scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 2 started at 4 p.m. on Monday and ended at 4.30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, Owerri.
Ihedioha, in a reaction, thanked the party for voting for him and enjoined his challengers to “join hands with him to provide a robust challenge to the All Progressives Congress.”