Ihedioha pulls out of Imo PDP governorship primary

Emeka Ihedioha

A former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has withdrawn from the state governorship race.

This is coming about two weeks to the state’s governorship primary of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for April 15.

Ihedioha’s withdrawal was said to have followed the removal of the former PDP national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who was replaced with Iliya Damagum, Vice Chairman, North of the party.

Ihedioha had worked as press officer to Ayu when he was Senate President in 1992.

The former governor had also been involved in a leadership tussle with the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

Both were expected to contest the April 15 primary election.

Ihedioha announced his withdrawal in a letter addressed to the national chairman of the party.

The ex-governor said he pulled out of the race in the interest of the party.

His media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu, confirmed the development, according to a report by Daily Trust.

Ihedioha won the 2019 governorship election under PDP but he was removed from office on January 14, 2020 by the Supreme Court, which declared Incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.