Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has emerged the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the November 11, 2023 Governorship election.
The Governor who pulled 63,618 votes to emerge winner in the special congress, was elected as the sole candidate at the primary election held at Ndubusi Kanu Square, Owerri.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Uzodimma thanked God for making this day possible and for also touching the hearts of the party leaders and members to identify him and asked him to run for the second term.
He said: “The victory of today’s event is a victory dedicated to God Almighty and the victory I will cherish long time to come. For me I see it as a mark of confidence from the members of our great party and the entire Imo people at large.
“God does not make mistake, for long time we have been praying for God to change our situation in imo State and I think God answered the prayers.
“We have no other state other Imo State, we cherish democracy, we borrowed from our past mistakes and past experiences. Before I came out I first prayed to God and since I have done that God has not disappointed me.
“We had our challenges, man made problems and obstacles but God in His wisdom handled it in his way. You would agree with me that where we met Imo State when we came and where it is today, there is huge difference. And if that was what touched your hearts to challenge me to continue, what you have just told me is to do more work.
“I want to assure you that this confidence you have reposed on me, I will do my best not to betray it. The party is like a vehicle and when you enter a vehicle all you need is for the vehicle to deliver you to your destination. I pray that God Almighty will give me the courage, wisdom, knowledge and resources to take Imo State to its destination.”
He requested for prayers from the people saying that the imo State they see today would have been more better but for the huge money spent fighting insecurity.
“This imo State you see today would have been three times better if not huge money we spent fighting insecurity but God Almighty has intervened.
“So fear not for God is with us , they may harass you and called you all sorts of names, even kill you, but don’t be afraid by November God will intervene.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the party in the state, MacDonald Ebere said the people from Abuja had gone through out the whole 27 local governments to ensure that the primary election was conducted without rancour.
He said that the governor deserves the call for his second missionary journey because of his excellent performance in his first term.
The chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Rear Admiral William Kayoda(rtd) said that the committee conducted the primary election in line with the provisions of the party constitution, electoral act and the 1999 constitution as amended through direct primaries in all the 305 wards in the 27 local government areas.
“This exercise has been very hitch free, peaceful and with the support of the governor, it has been rancour free.”
A delegate from Ahaizu Mbaise LGA, Ikechukwkere Chris moved the motion for the ratification of the election results while another delegate from Umumma Isiaku ward, Ideato South, Emeka Emmanuel seconded the motion that declared the governor winner of the election.