Imo Guber: How INEC Declared APC’s Hope Uzodimma Winner

Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in the November 11, 2023, Imo State governorship election, as officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The announcement was made by Prof Abayomi Fashina, the state Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, following over eight hours of meticulous collation of local government results, culminating in a confirmation of Uzodimma’s re-election at around 10 am on a Sunday morning. Uzodimma’s political journey in Imo State began with a significant twist when, in January 2020, the Supreme Court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring Uzodimma as the governor. However, this turn of events seemingly intensified political tensions, leading to increased opposition against Uzodimma. The state faced challenges, including a security phenomenon characterized by “unknown gunmen,” abductions, and persistent Monday sit-at-home protests organized by pro-secessionist groups. In the recent election, Uzodimma faced formidable opponents, including Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP, Nneji Achonu of the Labour Party (LP)l;l, and Jack Ogunewe of the Action Alliance (AA), alongside 14 other contenders. Despite the competitive field, the APC candidate secured a resounding victory with 540,308 votes. His closest rivals, Anyanwu and Achonu, garnered 71,503 and 64,081 votes, respectively. This electoral outcome solidifies Uzodimma’s position as the re-elected governor and further shapes the political landscape in Imo State.

Imo Guber: PDP Calls For Uzodinma, APC’s Disqualification Over Fake Video

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify Governor Hope Uzodimma and the All Progressives Congress (APC) just 24 hours before the Imo governorship election. This demand comes in response to the alleged involvement of the APC and Governor Uzodimma in creating and disseminating a fake video against PDP’s Imo state governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.  The PDP, through its national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, labelled the video as “barbaric and shameful,” accusing Governor Uzodimma of stooping to new lows to mislead the people of Imo. The PDP claims that the fabricated video is a manifestation of Governor Uzodimma’s fear of Senator Anyanwu’s popularity, prompting him to employ deceitful tactics to undermine the opposition candidate’s chances in the election. Commending the swift response of TVC, which was allegedly misrepresented in the fake video, the PDP reiterated its support for Senator Anyanwu, dismissing the video as entirely false. The party called on the people of Imo state to disregard the misleading content. The PDP suggested that if anyone should withdraw from the race, it should be Governor Uzodimma, accusing him of showing a lack of readiness for a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election.  The party urged INEC to disqualify the APC and Governor Uzodimma, citing their reported involvement in producing and circulating the fake video as a gross violation of electoral laws.

Imo Guber: Court Denies Apapa’s Faction Motion To Stop LP Candidate 

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, has refused Lamidi Apapa’s faction prayer to stop the candidate of Labour Party, Chief Athan Achonu from participating in Saturday’s Governorship election in Imo State. Ruling in an ex-parte application argued by counsel to the faction, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN, the court rather ordered Apapa and his group members to put the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on notice on the existence of the suit to enable it put up its defense. The faction had in the ex-parte application marked FCH/ABJ/CS/1357/2023, asked for an interim injunction restraining INEC from recognizing or according recognition to any other person laying claim to the gubernatorial ticket of the party in Imo State slated for November 11 other than Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph who emerged from Apapa led.primary election of April 16, 2023. They also prayed for an order of mandatory injunction, compelling INEC to recognize and upload the name of Ukaegbu Joseph as the authentic gubernatorial and flag bearer of the party in Imo State. The faction further demanded for a mandatory order against INEC that the name of Lamidi Apapa be uploaded as the national chairman of the party as well as Alhaji Lawal Saleh as national secretary. In the ruling, Justice Ekwo turned down the request and ordered the faction to turn the ex-parte motion to motion on notice and serve same on INEC being the sole defendant in the suit. “I am not granting you this application today and you have to bring INEC to Court to come and explain its own side in this matter,” the Judge said. Meanwhile, the Judge has fixed further mention in the matter till November 10 to enable Apapa’s faction present its grievances and INEC to respond with its defense.