TheCable

Emeka Ihedioha, a governorship hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo, has withdrawn from the race to elect the party’s flagbearer.

The PDP governorship primary in Imo is scheduled to take place on April 15.

Ihedioha, who was screened and cleared to contest in the party’s primary, announced his withdrawal from the race in a letter addressed to the PDP national chairman.

He said his decision to withdraw from the race is to ensure that there is unity in the state chapter of the party.

“Having been a member of the PDP since its 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 the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primary,” the letter reads.

“In the interest of harmony and unity of the party, I have decided to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate of our great party, PDP.

“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt. And I am very sure that many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilising for me in Imo state will be disappointed.

“I sincerely seek for their understanding and that of associates, admirers, and particularly, the electorate who have over the years, aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served my various constituencies both as a legislator and governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I have made, particularly in the seven months I served as the governor of Imo state.”

Ihedioha was elected governor of Imo in March 2019.

However, In January 2020, the supreme court sacked him and declared Hope Uzodinma the winner of the election.