Imo North: Nobody forced us to step down — Anyanwu, others

By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI — Three former aspirants in the just-concluded senatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Imo North Senatorial District — Longers Anyanwu, Gloria Akobundu and Kennedy Ike Odoeme — have said their decision to step down for the incumbent senator, Patrick Ndubueze, was voluntary.

The trio, considered strong contenders in the race, had announced their withdrawal shortly before the commencement of the primary and subsequently urged their supporters to vote for Ndubueze.

Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri on Saturday, the former aspirants said their decision was based on the zoning arrangement in the area.

They also reaffirmed that Ndubueze emerged winner of the primary and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.

According to them, party members in the senatorial district participated freely in the exercise without intimidation or disruption.

They described the APC primaries in Imo State, particularly in Imo North, as peaceful and orderly.

“The exercise in Imo State and especially in Imo North was hitch-free and devoid of the wrangling previously associated with party primaries of this magnitude,” they said.

The former aspirants commended party members and supporters for what they described as orderly conduct throughout the process.

They also acknowledged the role played by the “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” in coordinating the presidential primary collation process across the state.

Referring to the Imo North senatorial primary held on May 18, 2026, the trio said they stepped down for Ndubueze in line with the zoning arrangement agreed upon by leaders in the senatorial district.

“We came to that decision in recognition of the existing zoning arrangement by elders and leaders of the senatorial district, which favours Senator Patrick Ndubueze,” they stated.

They added that APC members subsequently voted overwhelmingly for Ndubueze, who eventually secured the party’s ticket.

The aspirants further urged the public to disregard reports suggesting another candidate emerged from the exercise, insisting that the results were duly collated and announced by the designated returning officer appointed by the APC National Working Committee.

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