Ihedioha pulls out of PDP governorship primary in Imo

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has pulled out of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship primary in Imo State.

Ihedioha, in a letter dated March 27, 2023, and addressed to the embattled National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyiorchia Ayu, attributed his decision to withdraw from the Imo State governorship race to his “personal sacrifice” for a “consensus candidate” by the party.

The former governor of Imo State was screened and cleared a few days ago by the PDP to contest the party’s primary ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the Southeast state.

“As I turned 58 years old last Friday, March 24, I had cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” said Ihedioha.

“Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 Governorship primaries.

“In the interest of harmony and unity of the Party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.

“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt.

“And I am sure many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilizing for me in Imo State will be disappointed.

“I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorates who have over the years aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served my various constituencies both as a legislator and Governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I made, particularly in the seven months I served as the Governor of Imo State.”

Ihedioha was removed from office as the Executive Governor of Imo state on 14 January 2020, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria which declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate (Hope Uzodinma) the authentic winner of the 2019 gubernatorial election.

Earlier in 2015, Ihedioha had served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and subsequent swearing-in of Aminu Tambuwal as the Executive Governor of Sokoto State.