By Baron Ike
Frank Ibezim got 13, 637 votes on Thursday to floor the likes of Ifeanyi Araraume and 10 other contestants for the Imo North Senatorial District Bye-Election held in Okigwe zone of the state.
The total number of votes cast for the 11 contestants, including Ibezim was 25, 295 garnered from the six local government areas that make up Okigwe zone.
The exercise was not only free and peaceful, but was deemed properly conducted by officials of the party who supervised the exercise, led by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
Senator Basiru said the exercise was peaceful and met the standard expected of a properly conducted exercise.
The Imo State APC Chairman, Marcdellinus Nlemigbo corroborated what Senator Basiru said and thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for providing a conducive atmosphere for the candidates to test their popularity in a free and democratic setting.
As some moles in the All Progressive Congress (APC) were busy trying to discredit the exercise by claiming that a parallel primary was held, the leaders hip of the Party has said “the Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru-chaired Primary Election Committee for the Imo North Senatorial District By-Election is the duly appointed and legitimate panel empowered by the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee to conduct the exercise.”
The clarification is necessary in view of media reports of a purported “parallel” Primary Election for the legislative By-Election in Imo State, according to a statement by Yekini Nabena, Deputy National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress.
The APC said: “Only outcomes from the Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru-chaired Primary Election Committee is tenable and will be accepted by the party.
“Aspirants cleared for the Imo North Senatorial District APC Primary Elections are:
1. Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume
2. Hon. Mathew Omegara
3. Achonu Athanasius Nneji
4. Uchendu Maric Chijioke
5. Ibezim Chukwuma Frank
6. Uwajumogu Edith Chidinma
7. Uchenna Onyeiwu Ubah
8. Okoro Eze Joachim
9. Nwachukwu Bright Uchenna
10. Onuoha Chikwem Chijioke
11. Ihim Iheanacho (Acho) Celestine
“According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), concurrent legislative by-elections are scheduled for October 31. The Party’s Primary Election for the By-Election held today Thursday 3rd, September, 2020.”