The electoral panel who conducted the gubernatorial primaries for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo state insisted that the emergence of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as the PDP governorship candidate for Imo State was not only transparent but also peaceful.

Affirming the result of the primaries, chairman of the electoral panel, Hon. Temgu Tesegba, said the exercise was transparent and peaceful, he advised Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, to be a good sportsman by acknowledging defeat.
In the primaries held last week in Owerri, Ihedioha polled 346 votes, Chief Ifeanyi Ararume got 336 votes while Chief Ikedi Ohakim, got 213.

Tesegba who defended the result of the primaries insisted that prior to the tallying of the votes, all the candidates, including Ararume had adjudged the process as very open and transparent and wondered why he turned around to fault it shortly after announcing Ihedioha as winner.
“The primary was conducted in a most peaceful manner devoid of wrangling, rancour, and bickering as duly accredited delegates, aspirants, agents of aspirants and members of the Electoral Panel as well as State Chairman of the party participated, observed and undertook the exercise in an orderly manner. The exercise was also witnessed and observed by the Media, INEC, Police and SSS.
“The exercise was conducted in accordance with due process and in line with the guidelines set for the primary election and duly adhered to by the Electoral Panel as certified by delegates, aspirants and their agents in the full glare of the media which was fully present.

“The process of election started with strict and painstaking accreditation of all delegates. A total of 1064 delegates were accredited for voting. Voting, Sorting, Counting and Announcement/Declaration of Results was done in the open. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha polled the highest number of votes, totaling 346 to beat his closest rival in the race, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume who scored 336 votes. The other candidates and their scores were also announced publicly. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha was accordingly declared winner of the Imo governorship primary at the venue of the election”, he explained.