Imo APC Backs Uzodimma For Senate, Urges Orlu Aspirants To Step Down

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind Governor Hope Uzodimma as the consensus candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District, urging other aspirants from Orlu zone to step aside.

This position was made known in a press statement issued on Saturday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, following a meeting with key political leaders and stakeholders from the district.

The party disclosed that leaders from Orlu zone had formally presented Governor Uzodimma as their preferred candidate for the Senate seat ahead of the 2026 elections.

Addressing the delegation at the party secretariat, the State Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, revealed that he had already procured the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the governor in line with the directive of the stakeholders.

He noted that the move was part of ongoing efforts to persuade Uzodimma to accept the call to represent the district in the upcoming 11th National Assembly.

Onyedebelu urged leaders and party faithful in Orlu zone not to relent in mounting pressure on the governor to accept the nomination, describing him as the most qualified candidate to represent both the district and the broader interests of the Southeast.

“We believe he is the best to represent not only Orlu people but also Imo State and Ndigbo at large. We want to send our best to the Senate,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie commended the party leadership for promptly acting on the request of the people by purchasing the nomination forms.

He stated that the appeal for Uzodimma’s return to the Senate was driven by a collective desire to leverage his experience for the benefit of the state and the country.

According to him, leaders across Orlu zone and beyond are united in their call, expressing confidence that the governor would contribute significantly to national development and work closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, praised Uzodimma’s track record both as a former senator and as governor, citing his leadership style and developmental strides in the state.

He appealed to the governor to heed the call to return to the Senate, describing it as a step that would further enhance political development in the Southeast and Nigeria at large.

The delegation comprised prominent political figures from Orlu zone, including members of the House of Representatives, local government chairmen, party executives, and other stakeholders.

The APC, in its statement, welcomed the endorsement and described it as crucial to strengthening the party’s position in the Southeast. It, however, advised any intending aspirants from the district to reconsider their ambitions in the interest of party unity.

While reaffirming its commitment to due process and adherence to guidelines set by the party’s National Working Committee, the APC maintained that the overwhelming consensus in favour of Uzodimma makes the conduct of a competitive primary unnecessary.

The party concluded that presenting a unified front would enhance its chances of electoral success in Imo West Senatorial District.