Emeka lhedioha withdraws from Imo PDP governorship primaries

A former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has withdrawn from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) off-cycle governorship primaries election in 2023
In January 2020, the Supreme Court sacked Mr Ihedioha as the governor of Imo State after barely seven months in office.
The former governor had declared interest to re-contest the elections ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial elections.
But in a letter dated March 27, Mr Ihedioha informed the PDP leadership of his interest to participate in the party’s governorship primaries as a ‘personal sacrifice’
According to the letter, the former speaker says he aligns himself with the request made by the state chapter to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a ‘consensus candidate’
“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).
“Having been a member since 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 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.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States for 11 November.
Imo state is among the eight states in the country where the commission conducts off-cycle governorship elections. The others are Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
Sanwo-Olu removes fifty per cent slash on state-owned buses after election
The state governor had earlier ordered that passengers of BRT buses will enjoy a 50 per cent slash due to cash scarcity.

Africa
ECOWAS urges Nigerian youths to join in fighting money laundering
The organisation said it was concerned over the growing threat of money laundering and terrorism financing.

Africa
151 stranded Nigerians depart Libya as FG resumes evacuation
The evacuees are 71 females, 54 males, 14 children and 13 infants, and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos at 8:00 p.m.

Politics
Tinubu nominates Abacha’s moneybag Atiku Bagudu, Wale Edun to transition council
Before becoming Kebbi governor, Mr Bagudu was a “bagman” who assisted to launder a large chunk of the estimated $2.2 billion stolen by Sani Abacha.

Politics
PDP charges party’s governors-elect to deliver good governance
The PDP said Nigerians voted its candidates based on their proven integrity, capacity, experience and proficiencies for purposeful and result-driven leadership.

Anti-Corruption
U.S. may designate Nigeria state sponsor of narcotics trafficking over Tinubu’s drug crimes in Chicago: Lawyer
The U.S. government in July 1993 had sought from Mr Tinubu a forfeiture of proceeds of narcotics going up to $460,000.