Chief Emeka Ihedioha has withdrawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries in Imo State, just months before the election.
Ihedioha, who served as governor of the state for seven months before the Supreme Court declared Hope Uzodimma the winner of the 2019 governorship race, cited party interest as the reason for his shocking withdrawal.
PDP had screened Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu and Emeka Ihedioha was scheduled to drag it at the party primaries.
However, Mr Ihedioha in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, dated 27th of March and obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday withdrew from the race scheduled to hold in November 2023.
The statement reads in part; “As I turned 58 years last Friday, March 24, had cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
“Having been a member since 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 candidate regarding the 2023 Governorship primaries.
“In the interest of harmony and unity of the Party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.
“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt. And I am sure many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilizing for me in Imo State will be disappointed. I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorates 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 made, particularly in the seven months I served as the Governor of Imo State.
“Thank you and God bless!” the statement added.