By Chris Akagha
In a show of party unity, three major senatorial contenders in Imo North have stepped back to clear the way for incumbent Senator Patrick Ndubueze to run again in 2027.
Kennedy Ike Odoeme, Princess Gloria Akobundu, and Longers Anyanwu made the decision together on May 18, respecting a long-standing zoning arrangement—an agreement among community elders that the seat should go to the Otanchara/Otanzu clan this time around.
“We withdrew to keep the party strong and give APC the best shot in the general election,” the aspirants said at a press briefing in Owerri. Anyanwu added simply: “The process was fair. There were no issues. Everything went smoothly.”
When the APC Electoral Committee counted the votes at Okigwe LGA, Ndubueze won decisively with 108,829 votes across all six local government areas. Former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume came in a distant second with 79 votes.
Party officials say the exercise was peaceful and transparent from the ward level all the way up. Governor Hope Uzodinma and APC Chairman Austin Onyedebulu supported the process throughout.
Ndubueze welcomed his former rivals as partners, saying he’ll work closely with them to mobilize voters and strengthen the party’s grip on the zone. “Now that the senate race is settled, we’re shifting into campaign mode,” party officials said. “The goal is to re-elect Ndubueze and sweep APC across the board in Imo North.”
