2027: Four Imo Reps lose APC return ticket

Four incumbent members of the House of Representatives in Imo State failed to secure return tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held on Saturday, paving the way for new candidates to emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, conducted using the Option A4 voting system across the state’s 10 federal constituencies, produced a mix of returning lawmakers and fresh faces. The affected incumbents are Matthew Nwogu (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Miriam Odinaka Onuoha (Okigwe South), Harrison Anozie Nwadike (Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele), and Emeka Martins Chinedu (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte).

Newly endorsed candidates from the exercise include Ngozi Pat-Ekeji (Aboh/Ngor-Okpala), Chukwudi Anyanwuocha (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte), Sandra Inyama (Ideato North/South), Canice Moore Nwachukwu Omeogo (Orlu/Orsu/Oru East), Jonas Okeke (Okigwe South), Uchenna Agasu (Okigwe North), Dibiagwu Eugene (Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru-West), Cosmos Maduba (Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba), Akarachi Amadi (Mbaike), and Tochi Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency).

Ahead of the primaries, Governor Hope Uzodinma assured APC stakeholders that the candidate selection process would respect the state’s zoning arrangements and uphold equity within the party. Addressing party leaders at the Government House in Owerri, he emphasized that no candidate would be imposed on members and that internal agreements sustaining party stability would be maintained.

Uzodinma explained that the Option A4 system was adopted to guarantee transparency, credibility, and broader participation in the primaries. He also disclosed that nine aspirants purchased forms for senatorial positions, while 107 obtained forms for House of Assembly contests. Women and youth aspirants received priority consideration in line with inclusive governance principles.