…says politics should be about service, not personal ambition
Sophia Afolabi
Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State to remain united after the party’s primary elections, stressing that collective interest must override individual ambitions.
Speaking at a post-primary stakeholders’ meeting at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri, the governor congratulated newly elected party officials and candidates, describing the congresses and primaries as successful exercises that have further strengthened the APC ahead of future elections.
Uzodimma appealed to aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in the spirit of sportsmanship and party loyalty, noting that every contest must produce winners and losers.
“There is no way to build consensus without sacrifice. Politics is about service to the people, not personal interests,” he said.
The governor highlighted achievements recorded by his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to discipline, equity, fair play and inclusive economic growth in the state.
He lamented that Imo had in the past attracted negative publicity due to needless political contests and the huge resources expended on them, insisting that politicians must embrace a culture of sacrifice and service rather than self-aggrandisement.
According to him, the state stands to gain more from sincere consensus-building, which he said the APC promotes through its people-centred approach to leadership and governance.
Uzodimma urged residents to see the APC as a credible political platform capable of delivering meaningful development and not be swayed by what he described as mushroom political parties with little capacity to make impact.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the development of Imo State and called on party members to intensify voter registration efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The strength of our party is your strength. Let us unite, accommodate one another and work together for victory,” he said, while urging members to rally behind all APC candidates and sustain the party’s dominance in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC in Imo State, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, commended members for their peaceful conduct during the recently concluded 2026 primary elections, describing the exercise as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to democratic ideals.
Onyedebelu said the direct primaries for legislative and presidential candidates were conducted across the state without any reported violence.
He lauded Governor Uzodimma for providing the leadership and enabling environment that ensured the success of the exercise.
Congratulating successful candidates, the state APC chairman urged them to remain humble and inclusive, while appealing to unsuccessful aspirants to remain loyal to the party.
“Politics is a journey, not a destination. Losing today does not mean losing forever,” he said.
Drawing from his political experience, Onyedebelu said persistence and loyalty had earned him several leadership opportunities, stressing that “loyalty pays, patience pays, and consistency pays.”
He therefore called on party members to close ranks and work for the victory of APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In separate remarks, former aspirants for the House of Assembly and Senate described the party’s primary process as transparent, credible and free from intimidation, adding that only approved fees were paid and all contestants were treated fairly.
Hon. Nnamdi Obonna, an aspirant for the House of Assembly, said his decision to withdraw from the race was voluntary and informed by the party’s zoning arrangement after consultations with leaders and stakeholders. He maintained that the outcome of the primary reflected the wishes of party members.
Other aspirants for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, as well as party leaders from the three senatorial zones of the state, reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and pledged to work for the victory of the party and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
