Anthony Iwuoma
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday elected Sir Frank Ibexim, a former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state, as its flagbearer in the October 31 senatorial by-election in Imo North, otherwise known as Okigwe Zone.
At the end of its keenly contested primaries held across the 64 INEC wards in the six local government areas under the supervision of the APC Primary Election Committee led by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bisuriu, Ibezim polled a total of 13, 637 votes to beat other aspirants.
Senator Bisuriu announced the result at Okigwe Local Government Area headquarters in the presence of staff of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other relevant security agencies, describing the exercise as most transparent, peaceful and orderly.Other results showed that Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume polled 2708; Sen. Athan Achonu, 1185; Hon. Matthew Omegara, 2826; Hon. Mark Uchendu, 1428; Chief Eze Okoro, 54; Bright Nwachukwu, 64 while Chief Chikwem Onuoha got 1466 votes.Bisuriu commended the state leadership of the party led by the caretaker chairman, Prince Marcillinus Nlemigbo and the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for providing a level play ground for all aspirants.
On his part, Nlemigbo lauded the election panel, security agencies, INEC, the media, and APC members in Imo North Senatorial District for the peaceful primaries.
He congratulated the winner and assured him of the party continued support to ensure the final victory at the poll.
Nlemigbo commended other aspirants for their impressive performance and faith in the party, and urged them to continue to support the party, which he believes has all it takes to win the by-election next month.
