Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship primary in the south-eastern state.
The former governor had been screened and cleared by the PDP just a few days ago to participate in the primary election ahead of the November 11 governorship race in Imo State.
In a letter dated March 27, 2023, Ihedioha informed the PDP leadership of his decision, citing a “personal sacrifice” in order to pave the way for a “consensus candidate” within the party. The withdrawal comes as a surprise to many who expected Ihedioha to run in the election.
Ihedioha was removed from the Imo State governor’s office in January 2020 after only seven months in the position, following a Supreme Court ruling.
The seven-member panel, led by Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad, unanimously declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 19, 2019, governorship election.
Uzodimma had argued that he scored the highest number of votes in the election, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ihedioha the winner.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who delivered the judgment, found that votes due to Uzodimma were unlawfully excluded from 318 polling units and should be added to his tally.
Upon considering the submissions of a principal witness subpoenaed to present results, the apex court determined that the lower court’s ruling was incorrect.
Consequently, Justice Kekere-Ekun declared Uzodimma the validly elected governor, and the certificate of return initially issued to Ihedioha was withdrawn by INEC and given to Uzodimma.
Ihedioha’s withdrawal from the PDP governorship primary signals a significant shift in the upcoming Imo State election. The party is now tasked with selecting a new candidate to challenge the APC.
