Araraume, Okorocha Lose Bids To Return To National Assembly

Senators Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume and Rochas Okorocha have been unsuccessful in their attempts to return to the upper chamber of the nation’s bicameral National Assembly.

In the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted in the Imo North District on Monday, May 18, Senator Araraume was defeated by the incumbent Senator Patrick Ndubueze.

Similarly, Senator Okorocha was defeated by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in the primary election held in the Imo West District.

Senator Ndubueze garnered 108,862 votes, significantly surpassing Senator Araraume, who received a mere 79 votes.

The announcement was made by the Imo North Senatorial District Returning Officer, Hon. Amaechi Nwoha, following the conclusion of the exercise.

The victory followed a dramatic political realignment within the party on Saturday night, as several prominent aspirants reportedly withdrew from the race in support of Senator Ndubueze’s re-election bid.

Among those who are said to have voluntarily stepped down are Chief Longers Anyanwu, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Akobundu, and Chief Ike Odoeme.

Their withdrawal was allegedly facilitated by the Imo State APC leadership under the supervision of the state party chairman, Hon. Austin Onyedebulu, during a high-level meeting held at the party’s state secretariat.

Party insiders disclosed that the move was intended to foster unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was further solidified by a strategic meeting convened on Sunday afternoon by the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, with another key aspirant and former senator, in what observers described as a last-minute reconciliation effort to consolidate support for the incumbent lawmaker.

Political analysts believe that the overwhelming outcome of the primary election reflects Senator Ndubueze’s growing influence within the APC structure in Imo North, commonly referred to as the Okigwe Zone.

Supporters of the senator celebrated across parts of the district shortly after the announcement of the results, describing the victory as “a clear mandate” and “a reward for effective representation.”

The APC is expected to officially submit Senator Ndubueze’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

Primaries: Uzodimma clinches APC Imo West Senatorial District ticket

In a recent development, on Monday, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was selected as the candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), after securing 230,464 votes.

Rear Admiral Williams Kayode (retired), who serves as the Chairman and Returning Officer of the 2026 Imo APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, officially announced the results at the headquarters of the Orlu Local Government Area (LGA).

Kayode reported that Uzodimma triumphed over the former state governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who received 1,098 votes in the party primary conducted across 12 LGAs within the senatorial zone.

“I hereby formally declare that His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has fulfilled all the requirements of the party constitution, the guidelines, as well as the pertinent laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Having achieved the highest number of valid votes, totaling 230,464, he is hereby declared the winner of the APC Imo West Senatorial District Primary election,” proclaimed Kayode.

During the primary election, Uzodimma expressed confidence in the APC’s capability to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

He characterized the electoral process as “peaceful, transparent, and widely accepted by party members throughout the state.”

“You can observe the dedication of the party members and the loyalty they have demonstrated since the commencement of this primary,” he stated.

Furthermore, Mr. Ikenna Adikibe, Chairman of Oru East LGA, lauded the party members for their “maturity, discipline, and orderly conduct throughout the exercise.”

Adikibe noted that the process was free from violence, destruction, or electoral crises across the state.

In total, nine aspirants procured nomination forms for the Senate primaries across the three senatorial zones of the state.