The All Progressives Congress aspirants for the Imo North senatorial seat, including Gloria Akobundu, Ike Odoeme and Longers Anyanwu, announced their withdrawal from the race billed for Monday (today).

In a statement jointly signed on Monday, the trio disclosed that they were stepping down in favour of Patrick Nwabueze.

The development means that Mr Ifeanyi Araraume will contest the party’s ticket with Mr Nwabueze, who is seeking a second term in the Senate.

According to the statement, the aspirants’ decision to step down was driven solely by the need to uphold the existing zoning arrangement within the APC in Imo.

They stated that allowing Mr Ndubueze to complete his second term was “paramount for continuity, stability, and sustained development in Imo North”.

“Zoning is a time-tested mechanism for equity and fairness. It is our solemn duty as loyal party members to respect and protect it so that Senator Ndubueze can complete his tenure.

“In the overriding interest of our great party, the APC, we have decided to withdraw from the race in order to strengthen unity, cohesion and oneness within the party.

“We firmly believe that our unity will make us stronger and better positioned to secure victory,” said the statement.

They affirmed their commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing him as a “visionary leader, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is transforming Nigeria”.

They also pledged support for Governor Hope Uzodinma, noting that his developmental strides in infrastructure, security, and human capital development had repositioned Imo for greater heights.

(NAN)