Former senator representing Imo North, Ifeanyi Araraume, has disowned a statement circulating on social media claiming he had declared himself the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo North Senatorial District, describing it as false and unauthorised.

In a disclaimer issued by his communications office on Wednesday, Araraume said he neither authored nor approved the publication titled “A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and a Clarion Call to Rebuild Okigwe Zone,” insisting it was fabricated to mislead the public and create tension within the APC in Imo State.

He said the publication was designed to distort his position and misrepresent his relationship with the party and its leadership.

The statement read: “The attention of Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, PhD, has been drawn to false, unauthorised, and mischievous publications currently circulating on various media platforms purported to have been issued by him, most particularly, the one bearing the title ‘A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and a Clarion Call to Rebuild Okigwe Zone.'”

It added: “Senator Araraume unequivocally disassociates himself from the said publication or publications. At no time did he authorise, approve, or cause the release of any statement. It is a complete fabrication, deliberately concocted to mislead the public, distort his position, and create unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.”

Araraume reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party, stating that he remained a disciplined and committed member of the APC.

According to him, “His loyalty to the party, its leadership, and its ideals is unwavering. He has consistently conducted himself in accordance with the Constitution of the APC and remains fully committed to its internal democratic processes and decisions.”

The former senator also said he was awaiting the official decision of the party on the Imo North Senatorial primary and had not declared himself the party’s candidate.

He stated: “As a firm believer in constitutional democracy and party supremacy, Senator Araraume is patiently awaiting the official position and final decision of the party regarding the Imo North Senatorial Primary. Contrary to the false claims contained in the fabricated publications, he has not declared himself the party’s candidate and will only communicate through recognised and authorised channels.”

Araraume further dismissed suggestions of political disagreement between himself and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, describing reports of a rift as the imagination of those behind the alleged fake publication.

According to the statement, “Senator Araraume enjoys a cordial, respectful, and constructive relationship with His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State. Any suggestion of disagreement, hostility, or political friction between them exists only in the imagination of the authors of the false publications and should be disregarded.”

He maintained that he remained committed to promoting unity within the APC, saying the party’s success depended on cooperation among its members.

Araraume also described the disputed publication as the handiwork of political opportunists seeking to sow division within the party.

The statement said: “The documents are the handiwork of mischief makers and political opportunists whose objective is to sow discord, misrepresent his views, and create divisions where none exist. Their desperate attempt to undermine the unity and stability of the party will not succeed.”

He called on APC members, the people of Imo North, residents of Imo State, the media and the general public to disregard the publication, insisting it was false and misleading.

The former senator reiterated his commitment to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while pursuing the development of Imo State and the country through lawful means.