Uzodimma urges equity as Imo APC elects new executives

2026-03-03 - 20:08

Gov. Hope Uzodimma has urged All Progressives Congress faithful in Imo to embrace equity and harmony to guarantee stability and fair representation. Uzodimma spoke on Tuesday at the party’s state congress in Owerri. Mr Austin Onyedebelu and Mr Onyekachi Ibezim emerged as state chairman and secretary, respectively. They were elected alongside other executive members through affirmation and formal balloting. Addressing party members, Uzodimma said he declined to back the outgoing executive’s re-election to promote a “unity list”. He said the consensus approach was adopted to balance interests and strengthen the party ahead of future elections. Uzodimma stressed that adherence to the party constitution and a “charter of equity” remained vital for political balance. “We agreed during our last meeting to be united and to produce a unity list,” he said. According to him, the decision was collectively endorsed by all contestants to prevent internal friction. The outgoing chairman, Dr Macdonald Ebere, praised the governor’s “strong leadership and discipline”. He said the party expanded significantly across the 27 local government areas during his four-year tenure. “I thank our stakeholders for their tireless efforts in growing and stabilising the party in the state. “Your guidance and sacrifices have kept our structure strong despite challenges,” he said. The congress was overseen by committee chairman, Mr Godwin Anaughe. It ended with the dissolution of the previous executive after a motion moved by Deputy Speaker Amarachi Iwuanyanwu. Anaughe commended Uzodimma’s infrastructure strides, citing the Orashi Power Plant and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre. He said the committee was mandated to conduct a credible congress and submit its report to the National Working Committee. Reacting to his election, Onyedebelu thanked Uzodimma for finding him worthy to lead the party. He pledged to promote unity and ensure the Renewed Hope Agenda was achieved in the state. (NAN)